Accessory assembly

ABSTRACT

An accessory has a main body that includes a case that defines an external appearance of the main body, a main switch located within the case and configured to be pushed downward, and an elastic operation portion that is located vertically above the main switch and extends radially outward toward an inner surface of the case, the elastic operation portion being configured to elastically deform downward to thereby push the main switch. The elastic operation portion includes a middle part located vertically above the main switch, a first bent part extending radially outward from a first end of the middle part, the first bent part having a first curvature that is convex downward, and a second bent part extending radially outward from a second end of the middle part opposite the first end, the second bent part having a second curvature that is convex downward.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of an earlier filing date and rightof priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/341,566, filed on May25, 2016, PCT Application No. PCT/KR2016/007314 filed on Jul. 6, 2016,and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0115246 filed on Sep. 7, 2016,the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an accessory having a communicationfunction, and more particularly to an accessory for communicationincluding a communication module for transmitting and receiving a signalover a predetermined network and an apparatus and method formanufacturing the same.

BACKGROUND

The Internet of Things (IoT) is intelligent technology and service forinterconnecting things over the Internet to perform informationcommunication between people and things and between things. For example,“information communication between things” means that apparatusesconnected to the Internet transmit, receive, and process informationwithout the intervention of people.

“Sensing technology” for sensing the surrounding circumstances (thingsor environments) to acquire information, “network technology” forinterconnecting things to the Internet, and “service interfacetechnology” for processing and providing information have been proposedas technologies for realizing the Internet of Things.

In the sensing technology, at least one selected from among environmentsensors (e.g., a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radioactivitysensor, a heat sensor, and a gas sensor), chemical sensors (e.g., anelectronic nose, a health care sensor, and a biometric sensor), aproximity sensor, an illumination sensor, an acceleration sensor, amagnetic sensor, a gravity sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor,an RGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a remotesensor, an SAR, a radar, and optical sensors (e.g., a video sensor andan image sensor) may be included.

“Network technology” means interconnecting personal computers (PCs),various kinds of equipment and facilities, and portable terminals usingvarious wired and/or wireless technologies. Ethernet, PLC, IEEE 1394,Home PNA, etc. are used as the wired technologies. IEEE 802.11. WLAN,IEEE 802.15 WPAN, UWB, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Z-wave, Bluetooth, etc. are usedas the wireless technologies. In some examples, a server for collectingvarious kinds of information and transmitting and receiving variouskinds of signals may be included in the network.

The network environment may be applied to various spatial orservice-dimensional concepts as well as homes and offices.

Various apparatuses having a function for transmitting and receivinginformation about apparatuses over networks have been developed. Forexample, in the home networking field, home electric appliances equippedwith the Internet of Things function have been developed.

In some examples, apparatuses may include various kinds of input units.For example, a switch, among the input units, is pushed when verticalpressure is applied thereto. After the switch is pushed, it may benecessary to return the switch to the original state thereof. In orderto generate restoring force to return the switch to the original statethereof, an elastic member, such as a spring, may be used.

SUMMARY

One way to implement a technology based on the Internet of Things (IoT)may be to replace conventional electric home appliances having no IoTfunctions with new electric home appliances having IoT functions and toreconfigure environments such that the Internet of Things is madepossible. However, the replacement of electric home appliances may beexpensive for users. In the case in which conventional electric homeappliances having no IoT functions are not replaced with new electrichome appliances having IoT functions, it may not be possible to use IoTtechnology. As a result, it may be difficult to easily and rapidlypopularize IoT technology. It is a first object of the presentdisclosure to provide an accessory that is capable of enabling therealization of IoT functions without replacing conventional electrichome appliances or reconfiguring environments.

To date, products having IoT functions have been based on individualstandards proposed by manufacturers who manufacture the products havingIoT functions, rather than based on unified standards. For this reason,the products are not compatible with each other, with the result that itis difficult to realize an IoT environment. It is a second object of thepresent disclosure to provide an accessory that is capable of enablingthe realization of a desired IoT environment even in the case in whichproducts having different IoT standards are used.

In a conventional push-type button, it may be difficult to accuratelyrealize designed restoring force. For example, for a push-type buttonhaving a miniscule stroke (i.e. a miniscule push length), it may bedifficult to use a spring, and it may be also difficult to adjust aminiscule degree of restoring force. When there is a minisculedifference in restoring force, however, the difference actually sensedby a user is very great, because the button is pushed with the tip ofthe user's hand. For instance, the difference in sensation in the fieldof electric home appliances may be critical, since the sensation isconnected directly with commercial success. In the conventionalpush-type button, it may be difficult to design a miniscule degree ofrestoring force and to realize the designed restoring force. It is athird object of the present disclosure to provide a structure that maymake it easy to realize a miniscule design difference in restoring forceof the push-type button and to easily realize the restoring force,thereby securing uniformity.

In some implementations, in an example accessory including a main body,the main body may include case defining the external appearance of themain body, a main switch disposed in the case so as to be pusheddownward, and an elastic operation portion disposed so as to cross theupper side of the main switch, the elastic operation portion beingelastically deformed downward to push the main switch.

According to one aspect of the subject matter described in thisapplication, an accessory has a main body that includes: a case thatdefines an external appearance of the main body; a main switch locatedwithin the case and configured to be pushed downward; and an elasticoperation portion that is located vertically above the main switch andextends radially outward toward an inner surface of the case, theelastic operation portion being configured to elastically deformdownward to thereby push the main switch. The elastic operation portionincludes: a middle part located vertically above the main switch; afirst bent part extending radially outward from a first end of themiddle part, the first bent part having a first curvature that is convexdownward; and a second bent part extending radially outward from asecond end of the middle part opposite the first end, the second bentpart having a second curvature that is convex downward.

Implementations according to this aspect may include one or more offollowing features. The main body may further include a communicationmodule that is configured to communicate with a predetermined network,and a controller that is configured to control the communication module.The controller may be configured, based on the main switch being pusheddownward, to receive control information.

In some implementations, the main body may further include a sensormodule that is configured to sense predetermined objects orenvironmental information, a remote control module that is configured totransmit an optical signal for controlling predetermined apparatuses,and a controller that is configured to control the sensor module and theremote control module.

In some implementations, the main body may further include a switchpanel that is located vertically above the elastic operation portion,that defines at least a portion of an upper surface of the main body,and that is configured to elastically deform based on the switch panelbeing pushed downward. The elastic operation portion may be disposedbetween the switch panel and the main switch, and the elastic operationportion may be configured, based on the switch panel elasticallydeforming downward, to elastically deform downward to thereby push themain switch.

In some implementations, the switch panel may include a dome-shapedplate that is convex upward. The case may include a side member thatdefines a side portion of the external appearance of the main body andextends along a circumference of the main body, the side member havingan inner surface and an outer surface, and a circumference of the switchpanel may contact the inner surface of the side member. In someexamples, the elastic operation portion may be convex upward.

In some implementations, the middle part of the elastic operationportion may be an uppermost part of the elastic operation portion. Thefirst bent part may have a first connection end connected to the firstend of the middle part, the first connection end being positioned higherthan a first extending end of the first bent part opposite the firstconnection end. The second bent part may have a second connection endconnected to the second end of the middle part, the second connectionend being positioned higher than a second extending end of the secondbent part opposite the second connection end.

In some implementations, the main body may include a support frame thatis located within the case and supports the elastic operation portion.The support frame may include an edge member that extends along acircumference of the support frame about a central axis, the elasticoperation portion passing through the central axis in a horizontaldirection. In some examples, each of the first bent part and the secondbent part is formed from a plate, and the middle part includes ahorizontal plate that is thicker than the plates forming the first andsecond bent parts, the horizontal plate defining an upper surface of themiddle part.

In some implementations, the main body may further include a supportframe that is located within the case and supports the elastic operationportion. The elastic operation portion may further include a firstconnection part extending radially outward from the first bent part tothe support frame, and a second connection part extending radiallyoutward from the second bent part to the support frame. The firstconnection part may slope upward from the support frame to the firstbent part, and the second connection part may slope upward from thesupport frame to the second bent part.

In some implementations, the support frame may include an edge memberthat has a ring shape along a circumference of the support frame about acentral axis, and the elastic operation portion crosses the centralaxis. In some examples, each of the first bent part, the second bentpart, the first connection part, and the second connection part isformed from a plate, and the middle part may include a horizontal platethat is thicker than the plates forming the first bent part, the secondbent part, the first connection part, and the second connection part,the horizontal plate defining an upper surface of the middle part.

In some implementations, the middle part may include a horizontal platethat defines an upper surface of the middle part, and the elasticoperation portion further includes a push protrusion protruding downwardfrom a lower surface of the horizontal plate. The elastic operationportion may be configured to deform from an initial position by a strokelength (d1). The first bent part may be convex by a depth (d2) that isgreater than the stroke length (d1), and the second bent part may beconvex by the depth (d2) that is greater than the stroke length (d1).

According to another aspect of the subject matter described in thisapplication, an accessory including a main body that includes: a casethat defines an external appearance of the main body; a main switchdisposed within the case and configured to be pushed downward; a switchpanel configured, based on being pushed downward, to elastically deformdownward; and a switch operation unit that is located vertically belowthe switch panel and supports the switch panel, the switch operationunit being configured, based on the switch panel deforming downward, toelastically deform downward. The switch operation unit includes anelastic operation portion that is located vertically above the mainswitch and extends radially outward toward an inner surface of the case,the elastic operation portion being configured to elastically deformdownward to thereby push the main switch, and a support frame that islocated within the case and supports the elastic operation portion.

According to another aspect of the subject matter described in thisapplication, an accessory comprising a main body that includes: a casedefining an external appearance of the main body; a main switch disposedwithin the case and configured to be pushed downward; an elasticoperation portion that is located vertically below the main switch andextends radially outward toward an inner surface of the case, theelastic operation portion being configured to elastically deformdownward to thereby push the main switch; and a support frame that islocated within the case and supports the elastic operation portion. Thesupport frame includes an edge member that extends along a circumferenceof the support frame about a central axis, the elastic operation portionpassing through the central axis in a horizontal direction.

Implementations according to this aspect may include one or more offollowing features. The main body may further include: a printed circuitboard (PCB) located within the case, the main switch being located onthe PCB; a switch panel that is configured, based on being pusheddownward, to elastically deform when the switch panel is pusheddownward; and a switch operation unit that is located vertically belowthe switch panel and supports the switch panel, the switch operationunit being configured, based on the switch panel deforming downward, toelastically deform downward.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example network system.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example network system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example accessory including anexample main body and an example container coupled to the main body.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the main body of FIG. 3 at adifferent angle.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the container of FIG. 3 at adifferent angle.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line AB-AB′ of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the example functions of an exampleimplementation of the main body of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example use of an examplereflector.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example waterproof member.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example use of the waterproofmember of FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11 to 16 are views showing example uses of the accessory of FIG.3.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual view showing an example use in which the mainbody is selectively attached to a plurality of example containersattached at a plurality of example positions.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing the main body shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing FIG. 18 at a differentangle.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an example switch panel of FIG.18.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along line A1-A1′ of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing an example switch operation unitof FIG. 18.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the switch operation unit of FIG.22 at a different angle.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken along line A2-A2′ of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing an example side case of FIG. 18without printed circuit boards (PCBs) coupled to the side case, but withan example transmission member coupled to the side case.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the side case of FIG. 25 at adifferent angle.

FIG. 27 is a top view showing the side case of FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken along line A3-A3′ of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the upper PCB coupled to the sidecase of FIG. 25.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing the side case and the upper PCB ofFIG. 29 at a different angle.

FIG. 31 is a top view showing the side case and the upper PCB of FIG.29.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing the lower PCB of FIG. 18.

FIG. 33 is a bottom view showing the lower PCB of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing the lower PCB coupled to the sidecase and the upper PCB of FIG. 29.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the side case, the upper PCB, andthe lower PCB of FIG. 34 at a different angle.

FIG. 36 is a vertical sectional view showing the main body of FIG. 3 andthe section of the transmission member.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing the transmission member of FIG.18.

FIG. 38 is a horizontal sectional view showing the transmission memberof FIG. 18.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing an example bottom case of FIG. 18.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing the bottom case of FIG. 39 at adifferent angle.

FIG. 41 is a top view showing the bottom case of FIG. 39.

FIG. 42 is a sectional view taken along line A7-A7′ of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective view showing the container shown inFIG. 5.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing the container of FIG. 5 at adifferent angle.

FIG. 45 is a top view showing the container of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 46A and 46B are sectional views showing the container of FIG. 45.

FIG. 46A is a sectional view taken along line B1-B1′.

FIG. 46B is a sectional view taken along line B2-B2′.

FIGS. 46C and 46D are sectional views showing another example of thecontainer of FIG. 45.

FIG. 46C is a sectional view taken along line B1-B1′.

FIG. 46D is a sectional view taken along line B2-B2′.

FIG. 47 is a vertical sectional view showing an exampleinjection-molding machine (mold) for an example container body of FIG.43.

FIG. 48 is a sectional view showing the main body of FIG. 6 without thecontainer.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view showing an example upper edge and anexample lower edge of the main body of FIG. 48.

FIGS. 50 to 52 are conceptual side views showing example directions ofthe main body of FIG. 48 when the main body rolls on a horizontal plane.

FIG. 50 is a view showing the state in which only the upper edge of themain body contacts the ground.

FIG. 51 is a view showing the state in which the lower edge of the mainbody contacts the ground.

FIG. 52 is a view showing the position of an example battery in FIG. 50.

FIG. 53 is a conceptual view showing example imaginary tracks formed bythe upper edge and the lower edge of the main body on the horizontalplane when the main body is overturned while rolling on the horizontalplane.

FIG. 54 is a bottom view showing the main body of FIG. 4, without thebottom case, when viewed from below.

FIGS. 55A and 55B are conceptual views showing example directions oftorque applied to the main body depending on the eccentric position ofthe battery when the main body rolls on the ground.

FIG. 56 is a view showing example diameters and dimensions of theaccessories of FIG. 6.

FIG. 57 is a view showing the upper edge of the main body, an examplelower edge of the container, and an example upper edge of the containerin the accessories of FIG. 56.

FIG. 58 is a conceptual side view showing an example direction of theaccessories of FIG. 57 when the accessories roll on the horizontal planewhen viewed from side.

FIG. 59 is a conceptual view showing example imaginary tracks formed bythe upper edge of the main body and the lower edge of the container onthe horizontal plane when the accessories are turned while rolling alongthe horizontal plane.

FIGS. 60A and 60B are vertical sectional views showing an exampleinjection-molding machines (molds) for the side case of FIG. 28 withpart Z in an enlarged state.

FIG. 60A shows an example parting line of one injection-molding machineon an example outer corner of the upper end of the side member.

FIG. 60B shows another example parting line of another injection-moldingmachine on an example inner corner of the upper end of the side member.

FIG. 61 is a perspective view showing the injection-molding machine forthe side case of FIG. 60B.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view showing the injection-molding machine ofFIG. 61 without an upper injection-molding unit.

FIG. 63 is a perspective view showing the injection-molding machine ofFIG. 62 with one of the side injection-molding units removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the terms “front,” “rear,” “left,”“right,” “upper,” and “lower,” which indicate directions, are defined asshown in FIG. 3. However, these definitions are given only for clearunderstanding of the present disclosure, and the directions may bedifferently defined depending on the circumstances.

In FIG. 3, a central axis X means an imaginary vertical axis passingthrough the center of an accessory 2A and 2B, a direction that becomesdistant from the central axis X is defined as a direction XO outwardfrom the axis, a direction that becomes close to the central axis X isdefined as a direction XI inward toward the axis, and a direction thatrotates about the central axis X is defined as a circumferentialdirection. However, these definitions are given only for clearunderstanding of the present disclosure, and the directions may bedifferently defined depending on the circumstances.

In some implementations, a network may include an example accessory 2having a communication function and a hub 1 communicating with theaccessory 2. Hereinafter, a home network will be described as an exampleof the network. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example home network system.

Referring to FIG. 1, the home network system may include exampleaccessories 2, 3 a, and 3 b, an example gateway 4, an example accesspoint 7, and an example hub 1, which may transmit information to eachother through a wired or wireless network. In some implementations, thehome network system may further include a server 8 and a terminal 6.

The network may be configured based on Wi-Fi, Ethernet, ZigBee, Z-wave,or Bluetooth. The accessories 2, 3 a, and 3 b, the gateway 4, the accesspoint 7, and the hub 1 may have communication modules that can accessthe network according to a predetermined protocol.

The communication modules included in the respective devices 2, 3 a, 3b, 4, 7, and 1 constituting the network system are set based on theconfiguration of the network. Each device may include a plurality ofcommunication modules based on the communication scheme between thedevices and the network and between the devices.

In some implementations, the accessories 2, 3 a, and 3 b each mayinclude at least one communication module for access to the network. Thecommunication module communicates with a predetermined network. Thecommunication of the communication module with the predetermined networkmeans that the communication module communicates with at least one ofthe gateway 4, the access point 7, the hub 1, the server 8, and theterminal 6, which constitute the network.

In some implementations, the accessories 2, 3 a, and 3 b may eachinclude an example sensor module for sensing the surroundingcircumstances. The accessories 2, 3 a, and 3 b may each include acontrol module that exhibits a specific function affecting thesurrounding circumstances. The accessories 2, 3 a, and 3 b may eachinclude a remote control module 25 for transmitting an optical signal(e.g., an infrared signal) for controlling predetermined surroundingapparatuses.

In some implementations, the accessories 2, 3 a, and 3 b including thesensor modules may each be a device including an atmosphere sensor, ahumidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a radioactivity sensor, a heatsensor, a gas sensor, an air quality sensor, an electronic nose sensor,a health care sensor, a biometric sensor, a sleep sensor (e.g., a sensorfor sensing snoring, sleep apnea, and tossing of a user while the usersleeps in the state in which the sensor is attached to the pajamas orunderwear of the user), a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, anacceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a gravity sensor, a gyroscopesensor, a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, anultrasonic sensor, a remote sensor, an SAR, a radar, or an opticalsensor (e.g., a video sensor or an image sensor).

In some implementations, the accessories 2, 3 a, and 3 b including thecontrol modules may each be a smart light for controlling lighting, asmart plug for controlling the application and intensity of electricpower, a smart temperature controller for controlling whether or not tooperate a boiler or an air conditioner and the operation level of theboiler or the air conditioner, or a smart gas lock for controllingwhether or not to interrupt gas.

The accessories 2, 3 a, and 3 b including the remote control modules mayeach be a device including an infrared LED for transmitting an infrared(IR) signal to a remote-controllable electric home appliance.

The accessories 2, 3 a, and 3 b may be configured to have predeterminedpurposes so as to exhibit predetermined performance. For example, theaccessory 3 a may be an image camera, and the accessory 3 b may be asmart plug.

The accessory 2 may be configured so as to be installed at a positiondesired by a user. In some implementations, the accessory 2 may beconfigured to be used for various purposes. For example, the accessory 2may be attached to an external object, such as an electric homeappliance, a door, a window, or a wall. Detailed use examples of theaccessory 2 will be described hereinafter.

In some implementations, the gateway 4 may enable one or moreaccessories 2 and 3 b to communicate with the access point 7. Thegateway 4 communicates with the accessory 2 in a wireless fashion. Thegateway 4 communicates with the access point 7 in a wired or wirelessfashion. For example, the communication between the gateway 4 and theaccess point 7 may be based on Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

The access point 7 may be connected to the server 8 through wired orwireless communication. The server 8 may be accessible over theInternet. Various terminals 6 connected to the Internet may communicatewith the server 8. For example, the terminal 6 may be a personalcomputer (PC) or a mobile terminal such as a smart phone.

The accessories 2 and 3 b may be configured to communicate with thegateway 4. In another example, the accessory 3 a may be configured tocommunicate with the access point 7 directly, rather than via thegateway 4.

The access point 7 may be configured to communicate with the accessory 3a or with another device 5 including a communication module directly,rather than via the gateway 4. The devices 5 and 3 a may each include aWi-Fi communication module, through which the devices 5 and 3 a cancommunicate with the access point 7 directly, rather than via thegateway 4.

The hub 1 may be connected to the access point 7 through wiredcommunication (e.g., Ethernet) or wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi).Communication between the hub 1 and the accessories 2 and 3 b may beperformed via the gateway 4 and the access point 7. In another example,communication between the hub 1 and the accessory 3 a or the device 5may be performed via the access point 7.

For example, signals from the accessories 2 and 3 b may be transmittedto the hub 1 via the gateway 4 and the access point 7 in turn, and asignal from the hub 1 may be transmitted to the accessories 2 and 3 bvia the access point 7 and the gateway 4 in turn. In another example, asignal from the accessory 3 a or the device 5 may be transmitted to thehub 1 via the access point 7, and a signal from the hub 1 may betransmitted to the accessory 3 a or the device 5 via the access point 7.

For example, information acquired by a sensor module 24 of each of theaccessories 2, 3 a, and 3 b may be transmitted to the server 8, theterminal 6, or the hub 1 over the network. In some implementations, asignal for controlling the sensor module, the control module, or theremote control module from the server 8, the terminal 6, or the hub 1may be transmitted to the accessory 2. The signals are transmitted viathe gateway 4 and/or the access point 7.

Communication between the accessories 2, 3 a, and 3 b and the hub 1 maybe performed based only on the gateway 4 and the access point 7. Forexample, even in the case in which the home network is not connected toan external communication network such as the Internet, communicationbetween the accessories 2, 3 a, and 3 b and the hub 1 may still beperformed.

In the case in which the hub 1 is connected to the server 8 via theaccess point 7, information transmitted from the hub 1 or the accessory2 may be stored in the server 8. The information stored in the server 8may be received by the terminal 6 connected to the server 8.

In some implementations, information transmitted from the terminal 7 maybe transmitted to the hub 1 or the accessory 2 via the server 8. A smartphone, which is a terminal that has been widely used in recent years,provides a graphic-based user interface (UI). Consequently, theaccessory 2 may be controlled, or information received from theaccessory 2 may be processed and displayed through the UI. In someimplementations, an application installed in the smart phone may beupdated so as to extend the range of functions that can be performed bythe accessory 2.

In some implementations, the terminal 6 and the hub 1 may communicatewith each other directly without the involvement of the server 8. Forexample, the terminal 6 and the hub 1 may communicate with each otherdirectly via Bluetooth.

In some implementations, the accessory 2 may be controlled orinformation received from the accessory 2 may be processed and displayedusing only the hub 1 without using the terminal 6. To this end, the hub1 may include an input unit (not shown) for receiving a command forcontrolling the accessory 2 and a visual or auditory output means (e.g.,a display or a speaker) for displaying the process information. Theinput unit of the hub 1 may include various buttons, a touch-typedisplay, or a microphone. In the case in which the hub includes amicrophone, the controller of the hub may recognize the user's voiceinput through the microphone and extract a command therefrom.

FIG. 2 is a view showing another example home network system.

The home network system is substantially identical to the home networksystem according to the previous implementation except that the gateway4 is not provided, and the hub 1 also performs the functions that thegateway 4 performs.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 10, an example accessory 2 includes a main body2A having a communication module 26 for communicating with apredetermined network and a container 2B having a main body-couplingportion 280 a to which the main body 2A is detachably attached. In thecase in which the main body 2A includes a proximity sensor 244, theaccessory 2 may further include a reflector 2C for reflecting an opticalsignal (e.g., an infrared signal) transmitted by a proximity signallight-emitting unit 2441 of the proximity sensor 244. The accessory 2may further include a waterproof member 2D separably detached to anapparatus to which the main body 2A and the container 2B are coupled.

The main body 2A, the container 2B, the reflector 2C, and the waterproofmember 2D are separate members, which may be variably combined dependingon the purpose desired by a user. The main body 2A, the container 2B,the reflector 2C, and the waterproof member 2D may be provided indifferent numbers.

The functional configuration of the main body 2A will be described withreference to FIG. 7. The main body 2A may include a controller 23 forcontrolling at least one function of the main body 2A. Of course, thecontroller 23 may be provided in the server 8, the terminal 6, or thehub 1. Even in this case, the present disclosure may be implemented overa network.

The main body 2A may include a sensor module 24 for sensingpredetermined surrounding circumstances. The “predetermined surroundingcircumstances” means information which can be determined based on thetype of the sensor provided in the main body 2A, which is informationabout the surroundings of the main body 2A or information about aspecific direction relative to the main body 2A.

The sensor module 24 may include a plurality of sensors for sensingdifferent kinds of targets. The targets may include atmosphere,temperature and humidity, radioactivity, heat, gas, air quality,electronic elements, various biometric elements, various sleep elements,proximity, illumination, acceleration, magnetism, gravity, motion,infrared (IR) light, ultrasonic waves, video, and images that can besensed by the sensors.

In this implementation, the sensor module 24 may include a proximitysensor 244 for sensing the proximity of the main body 2A to an externalobject in a specific direction. The sensor module 24 may include atemperature and humidity sensor 245. In this specification, thetemperature and humidity sensor 245 may be any one selected from among atemperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a temperature and humiditysensor. The sensor module 24 may include an acceleration sensor 257 forsensing the movement or vibration of the main body 2A.

In some implementations, the main body 2A may include a remote controlmodule 25 for transmitting an optical signal for controllingpredetermined surrounding apparatuses. The “predetermined surroundingapparatuses” may be predetermined remote-controllable apparatuses. Forexample, the predetermined surrounding apparatuses may include a washingmachine, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a robot cleaner, and a TVthat can be controlled by a remote controller.

The remote control module 25 includes a control signal light-emittingunit 243 for emitting a predetermined optical signal, for controlling apredetermined surrounding apparatus, in a specific direction from themain body 2A. For example, the control signal light-emitting unit 243may be an LED for emitting infrared light.

The main body 2A may include at least one selected from between thesensor module 24 and the remote control module 25. The main body 2A mayinclude both the sensor module 24 and the remote control module 25. Inthis case, a user may use the main body 2A more flexibly when required.

The main body 2A may include a communication module 26 for communicatingwith a predetermined network. The communication module 26 may be changeddepending on the communication scheme of a device with which thecommunication module 26 will communicate directly. Information acquiredby the sensor module 24 may be transmitted over the network through thecommunication module 26. The main body 2A may receive information overthe network through the communication module 26, and the sensor module24, the remote control module 25, an output unit 28, or a storage unit29, may be controlled based on the received information.

The main body 2A may include an input unit 27 for allowing a user toinput a command directly, rather than via the communication module 26.

The input unit 27 may be a power switch (not shown) for turning ON/OFFthe main body 2A.

The input unit 27 may include a main switch 242 for setting thefunctions of the main body 2A, pairing of the main body 2A with apredetermined network, or pairing of the main body 2A with the terminal6 or the hub 1. The main body 2A may be preset such that variouscommands are input to the main body 2A through a combination of the timefor which the main switch 242 is pushed and/or the number of times themain switch 242 is pushed in succession.

The input unit 27 may include a reset button 252 for resetting thepreset functions of the main body 2A. Previous pairing settings orinformation stored in the storage unit 29 may be reset by pushing thereset button 252.

The main body 2A may include a storage unit 29 for storing informationacquired by the sensor module 24. The storage unit 29 may storeinformation received through the communication module 26 over thenetwork N. The storage unit 29 may store commands from the input unit27.

The main body 2A may include a power supply device 254 for supplyingpower to the components of the main body 2A. The power supply device 254may include a battery 2541. The battery 2541 may be provided for thepurpose of charging.

The controller 23 may receive control information from the input unit27. The controller 23 may control the output unit 28 to outputpredetermined information.

The controller 23 may control the communication module 26. Thecontroller 23 may control the communication module 26 based on thecontrol information received from the input unit 27. The controller 23may perform control such that information received through thecommunication module 26 over the network is stored in the storage unit29. The controller 23 may perform control such that information storedin the storage unit 29 is transmitted through the communication module26 over the network.

The controller 23 may control whether or not to operate the sensormodule 24. The controller 23 may control whether or not to operate thesensor module 24 based on the control information received through thecommunication module 26 over the network. The controller 23 may controlthe sensor module 24 based on the control information received from theinput unit 27. The controller 23 may control the sensor module 24 basedon the control information stored in the storage unit 29. The controller23 may perform control such that information about the surroundingcircumstances, sensed by the sensor module 24, is stored in the storageunit 29. The controller 23 may perform control such that the informationabout the surrounding circumstances, sensed by the sensor module 24, istransmitted through the communication module 26 over the network.

The controller 23 may control whether or not to transmit the informationabout the surrounding circumstances over the network. The informationabout the surrounding circumstances is predetermined information sensedunder predetermined surrounding circumstances. The controller 23 maycontrol whether or not the sensor module 24 is to sense informationabout the surrounding circumstances. Even when the sensor module 24senses information about the surrounding circumstances, the controller23 may control whether or not to transmit the sensed information aboutthe surrounding circumstances over the network.

In some implementations, the controller 23 may perform control such thatthe type of the target transmitted over the network is changed. Forexample, the controller 23 may perform control such that a state changeis performed from a first state in which a first target (e.g., proximityinformation) is sensed and information about the first target istransmitted over the network to a second state in which a second target(e.g., temperature and humidity) is sensed and information about thesecond target is transmitted over the network. In another example, thecontroller 23 may perform control such that a state change is performedfrom a third state in which a first target and a second target aresensed and only information about the first target is transmitted overthe network to a fourth state in which a first target and a secondtarget are sensed and only information about the second target istransmitted over the network.

The controller 23 may control whether or not to operate the remotecontrol module 25. The controller 23 may control whether or not tooperate the remote control module 25 based on control informationreceived through the communication module 26 over the network. Thecontroller 23 may control the remote control module 25 based on thecontrol information received from the input unit 27. The controller 23may control the remote control module 25 based on the controlinformation stored in the storage unit 29.

The controller 23 may control whether or not to operate the remotecontrol module 25. The controller 23 may perform control so as to changewhether or not to operate the remote control module 25. For example, thecontroller 23 may perform control such that a state change is performedfrom a fifth state, in which the remote control module 25 is notoperated, to a sixth state, in which the remote control module 25 isoperated.

In the above description, the terms “first state,” “second state,”“third state,” “fourth state,” “fifth state,” and “sixth state” are usedonly to avoid confusion between designated objects, and do not indicatethe sequence or importance of the states.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the main body 2A and the container 2B areseparably coupled to each other. The main body-coupling portion 280 amay protrude such that a portion of the main body 2A is coupled to themain body-coupling portion 280 a. In this implementation, the mainbody-coupling portion 280 a is a depressed receiving space. The mainbody-coupling portion 280 a may be provided in the upper side of thecontainer 2B.

The main body 2A includes an exposed portion 201, which is exposed inthe state in which the main body 2A is coupled to the container 2B, andan insertion portion 202, which is received in the main body-couplingportion 280 a.

The exposed portion 201 is formed at the upper side of the main body 2A.The exposed portion 201 includes a side surface exposed in a directionXO outward from the axis and a top surface exposed to the upper side.

A switch panel 210, an opening 231 b (e.g., a sensor hole) or atransmission member 260 for the sensor module 24, or a transmissionmember 260 for the remote control module 25 is disposed in the exposedportion 201. Even in the state in which the main body 2A is coupled tothe container 2B, a user may contact the switch panel 210 of the mainbody 2A. Even in the state in which the main body 2A is coupled to thecontainer 2B, the sensor module 24 or the remote control module 25 maybe operated smoothly.

In this implementation, the transmission member 260 and/or the sensorhole 231 b is formed at the side surface of the exposed portion 201. Thetransmission member 260 and the sensor hole 231 b may be disposed inopposite directions. The transmission member 260 may be disposed at thefront surface of the exposed portion 201, and the sensor hole 231 b maybe disposed at the rear surface of the exposed portion 201. In someimplementations, the switch panel 210 may be disposed at the top surfaceof the exposed portion 201. A user may push the switch panel 210downward from above.

The side surface of the exposed portion 201 may be an inclined surfacethat becomes gradually closer to the central axis X in the downwarddirection. The side surface of the exposed portion 201 may be aninclined surface that becomes gradually further away from the centralaxis X in the upward direction. The side surface of the exposed portion201 may be a truncated conical surface. A side member 231 of a side case230, a description of which will follow, defines the side surface of theexposed portion 201.

In some implementations, an upper edge E1 of the main body 2A may beformed in a circular shape having a predetermined upper diameter. Theupper edge E1 of the main body 2A may define the upper edge E1 of theexposed portion 201.

When the main body 2A is coupled to the container 2B, the lower end ofthe exposed portion 201 may contact the upper end of the container 2B.The lower end of the exposed portion 201 may contact the upper end ofthe main body-coupling portion 280 a. The lower edge of the exposedportion 201 may be circular. The diameter of the lower edge of theexposed portion 201 may be smaller than the upper diameter.

The side surface of the exposed portion 201 includes an inclinedsurface, constituted by a set of lines interconnecting the upper edge ofthe exposed portion 201 and the lower edge of the exposed portion 201 bythe shortest route. The side surface of the exposed portion 201 is aninclined surface that is oblique relative to the vertical direction, inwhich the upper edge of the exposed portion 201 and the lower edge ofthe exposed portion 201 are connected to each other.

In some implementations, the top surface of the exposed portion 201 maybe dome-shaped. The top surface of the exposed portion 201 may includean upper side surface of the switch panel 210. The switch panel 210 maybe formed in a circular shape having a diameter less than the upperdiameter when viewed from above. For example, the side surface of theexposed portion 201 may be defined by a wall having a predeterminedthickness, and the switch panel 210 may be disposed in a spacesurrounded by the side surface of the exposed portion 201, which isdefined in a direction XI inward toward the axis at the upper end of theexposed portion 201. The switch panel 210 may be coupled to a switchoperation unit 220, a description of which will follow, such that theswitch panel 210 is movable upward and downward.

The insertion portion 202 is formed at the lower part of the main body2A. The insertion portion 202 includes a side surface exposed in thedirection XO outward from the axis and a lower surface exposed to thelower side.

The insertion portion 202 is received in the main body-coupling portion280 a such that the main body 2A and the container 2B are coupled toeach other. The insertion portion 202 may be inserted into the mainbody-coupling portion 280 a from above the container 2B.

The main body 2A may include a battery 2541 for charging. In this case,the main body 2A is provided with a charging terminal 255. The chargingterminal 255 may be formed at the side surface of the insertion portion202. The accessory 2 is configured such that the charging terminal 255connected to the battery 2541 is exposed when the main body 2A isseparated from the container 2B.

The main body 2A may include a reset button 252. The main body 2A isconfigured such that the reset button 252 is exposed when the main body2A is separated from the container 2B.

The insertion portion 202 may be provided with a direction-settingrecess 270 a, a description of which will follow. The direction-settingrecess 270 a is formed in one side of the lower edge of the insertionportion 202. The direction-setting recess 270 a is defined by adepression 2711 in the insertion portion 202.

The insertion portion 202 may be provided with an attachment-detachmentgroove 231 d, a description of which will follow. Theattachment-detachment groove 231 d extends along the circumference ofthe insertion portion 202 in the circumferential direction. Theattachment-detachment groove 231 d may extend in a circular shape. Theattachment-detachment groove 231 d is formed in the side surface of theinsertion portion 202 in the direction XO outward from the axis. Theattachment-detachment groove 231 d is depressed in the direction XIinward toward the axis.

In this implementation, the charging terminal 255 is formed at the lowerside of the sensor hole 231 b. The reset button 252 may be formed on thesurface in which the attachment-detachment groove 231 d is formed.

The edge of the main body-coupling portion 280 a may be circular, andthe insertion portion 202, which is inserted into the main body-couplingportion 280 a, may be generally cylindrical. The side surface of theinsertion portion 202 in the direction XO outward from the axis and thelower surface of the insertion portion 202 in the downward direction areconnected to each other in a round shape. The direction-setting recess270 a is formed in one side of the round portion of the side surface andthe lower surface of the insertion portion 202.

The lower surface of the insertion portion 202 defines the lower surfaceof the main body 2A. The lower surface of the main body 2A has an arealess than the area defined by the upper edge of the main body 2A. Thelower surface of the main body 2A is configured to overlap the areadefined by the upper edge of the main body 2A when viewed from below.

In some implementations, the lower surface of the main body 2A may begenerally circular. The diameter of the lower surface of the main body2A may be smaller than the upper diameter of the main body 2A.

The side surface of the insertion portion 202 may include an inclinedsurface, which is inclined in the same direction as the side surface ofthe exposed portion 201. The side surface of the insertion portion 202may be a truncated conical surface.

The side surface of the main body 2A in the direction XO outward fromthe axis includes the side surface of the exposed portion 201 and theside surface of the insertion portion 202. The side surface of the mainbody 2A may include a partially stepped portion. The side surface of themain body 2A may include a surface having a recess.

The container 2B includes an outer portion 205, which is exposed outwardwhen the main body 2A is coupled to the container 2B, and an innerportion 206, which defines the main body-coupling portion 280 a.

The inner portion 206 of the container 2B may be depressed. The innerportion 206 of the container 2B may be depressed downward. The innerportion 206 may be depressed downward from the upper middle of thecontainer 2B.

The inner portion 206 includes an inner surface 281 of a container body280, a description of which will follow, and an inwardly exposed surface292 a of a container side member 290, a description of which willfollow. The inner surface 281 includes a bottom portion 281 a, whichdefines the bottom of the main body-coupling portion 280 a and aninclined portion 281 b, which is inclined upward from the bottom portion281 a in the direction XO outward from the axis. The inclined portion281 b may be formed such that the inclination of the inclined portion281 b becomes steeper from the bottom portion 281 a in the direction XOoutward from the axis. The bottom portion 281 a may be circular whenviewed from above. The inclined portion 281 b may extend such that theinclination of the inclined portion 281 b becomes steeper in thedirection XO outward from the axis. The inwardly exposed surface 292 amay be disposed at the upper side of the inclined portion 281 b. Theinwardly exposed surface 292 a may be formed further inward than theinclined portion 281 b in the direction XO outward from the axis. Theinwardly exposed surface 292 a may be formed at a position further awayfrom the central axis X than the inclined portion 281 b.

The inner portion 206 of the container 2B may be provided with adirection-setting protrusion 285, which is engaged into thedirection-setting recess 270 a. The direction-setting protrusion 285 isdisposed at a position distant from the central axis X. Thedirection-setting protrusion 285 is defined by a portion of the inclinedportion 281 b that protrudes.

The inner portion 206 of the container 2B may be provided with anattachment-detachment protrusion 298, which is inserted into theattachment-detachment groove 231 d when the main body 2A is coupled tothe container 2B. The attachment-detachment protrusion 298 may bedisposed at the upper circumference of the inner portion 206. Theattachment-detachment protrusion 298 is disposed at the upper side ofthe inclined portion 281 b. The attachment-detachment protrusion 298 mayextend along the circumference of the inner portion 206. In thisimplementation, a plurality of attachment-detachment protrusions 298 isdisposed along the circumference of the inner portion 206 in the stateof being spaced apart from each other. The attachment-detachmentprotrusions 298 may be arranged at uniform intervals. Theattachment-detachment protrusions 298 are formed on the surface of theinner portion 206 in the direction XI inward toward the axis. Theattachment-detachment protrusions 298 protrude in the direction XIinward toward the axis. The attachment-detachment protrusions 298 may beformed on the inwardly exposed surface 292 a.

The outer portion 205 includes a side surface in the direction XOoutward from the axis and a bottom surface in the downward direction.The side surface of the outer portion 205 may be an outward surface 291,a description of which will follow.

The outward surface 291 may define an inclined surface that becomesgradually closer to the central axis X in the upward direction. Theoutward surface 291 may be a truncated conical surface.

The upper edge of the container 2B may be an upper edge of the outerportion 205, and the lower edge of the container 2B may be a lower edgeof the outer portion 205. The lower edge of the container 2B may beformed in a circular shape having a predetermined lower diameter.

When the main body 2A is coupled to the container 2B, the upper end ofthe outer portion 205 contacts the lower end of the exposed portion 201of the main body 2A. The lower edge of the exposed portion 201 may becircular. The upper edge of the outer portion 205 may be circular. Theupper edge of the outer portion 205 may be formed in a circular shapehaving an upper diameter less than the lower diameter of the container2B.

The lower edge of the container 2B may be formed in a circular shapehaving a predetermined lower diameter different from the upper diameterof the main body 2A. The lower diameter of the container 2B may begreater than the upper diameter of the main body 2A.

The outward surface 291 may be constituted by a set of linesinterconnecting the upper edge of the outer portion 205 and the loweredge of the outer portion 205 by the shortest route. The side surface ofthe outer portion 205 is an inclined surface that is oblique relative tothe vertical direction in which the upper edge of the container 2B andthe lower edge of the container 2B are connected to each other.

When viewed from below, the middle part of the bottom surface of theouter portion 205 may be a horizontal surface 283, and the edge part ofthe bottom surface of the outer portion 205 may be an inclined surface283 a. The inclined surface 283 a is formed such that the height of theinclined surface 283 a is gradually increased in the direction XOoutward from the axis. That is, when the bottom surface of the outerportion 205 contacts an external plane, only the horizontal surface 283of the bottom surface of the outer portion 205 contacts the externalplane.

The container 2B includes an external coupling portion 283. Thehorizontal surface 283 includes an external coupling portion 283, whichis formed so as to be attached to an external object. The externalcoupling portion 283 is provided at the lower side of the container 2B.The external coupling portion 283 may be attached to one surface of anexternal object. The external coupling portion 283 is attached to anexternal object, such as the surface of an external apparatus, a wall, adoor, a window, or a ceiling, to support the container 2B or theaccessory 2, to which the container 2B and the main body 2A are coupled.The external coupling portion 283 may include a sticker or a materialhaving attachment force. The external coupling portion 283 may beattached to one surface of an external object such that the externalcoupling portion 283 can be detached from the external object.

The remote control module 25 includes a control signal light-emittingunit 243 for emitting an optical signal in a specific direction from themain body 2A. In the case in which the main body 2A includes the controlsignal light-emitting unit 243, the container 2B includes adirection-setting portion for guiding the main body 2A such that thespecific direction is set to a predetermined direction when thecontainer 2B is attached to an external object.

The sensor module 24 may include a proximity sensor 244 for sensing theproximity of the main body 2A to an external object in a specificdirection. The container 2B includes a direction-setting portion forguiding the main body 2A such that the specific direction is set to apredetermined direction when the container 2B is attached to an externalobject.

For example, the specific direction is set when the container 2B isattached to an external object, and even in the case in which the mainbody 2A is separated from the container 2B and is then coupled to thecontainer 2B again, the specific direction of the control signallight-emitting unit 243 or the proximity sensor 244 is uniformly set bythe direction-setting portion.

When the main body 2A is coupled to the container 2B, thedirection-setting portion sets the direction in which the main body 2Ais disposed relative to the container 2B. For example, when the mainbody 2A is coupled to the container 2B, the direction-setting portionsets the direction in which the main body 2A is disposed relative to thecontainer 2B in the specific direction.

The container 2B may include a direction-indicating portion 289 forvisually indicating the specific direction. The direction-indicatingportion 289 may be formed at the inner portion 206 of the container 2B.The direction-indicating portion 289 may be a printed mark, a reliefmark, or an intaglio mark. The direction-indicating portion 289, thedirection-setting portion 285 and 270 a, and the proximity sensor 244are disposed such that the direction indicated by thedirection-indicating portion 289 becomes the specific direction. In someimplementations, the direction-indicating portion 289, thedirection-setting portion 285 and 270 a, and the control signallight-emitting unit 243 are disposed such that the direction indicatedby the direction-indicating portion 289 becomes the specific direction.

Even when the container 2B, to which the main body 2A is not coupled, isattached to an external object, the user may preset the specificdirection through the direction-indicating portion 289. In the case inwhich the container 2B is attached to an external object in thedirection indicated by the direction-indicating portion 289, thespecific direction is set to the direction indicated by thedirection-indicating portion 289 when the main body 2A is coupled to thecontainer 2B.

The direction-setting portion includes a direction-setting protrusion285 and a direction-setting recess 270 a. The main body 2A includes oneselected from between the direction-setting protrusion 285 and thedirection-setting recess 270 a, and the container 2B includes the otherselected from between the direction-setting protrusion 285 and thedirection-setting recess 270 a. In the state in which the specificdirection is set to the predetermined direction, the direction-settingprotrusion 285 is engaged into the direction-setting recess 270 a. Inthis implementation, the direction-setting protrusion 285 is formed onthe container 2B, and the direction-setting recess 270 a is formed inthe main body 2A.

The direction-setting protrusion 285 may be dome-shaped.

The attachment-detachment groove 231 d is formed in one selected frombetween the main body 2A and the container 2B, and theattachment-detachment protrusions 298 are formed on the other selectedfrom between the main body 2A and the container 2B.

The attachment-detachment groove 231 d is formed in one of the main body2A and the container 2B in which the direction-setting recess 270 a isformed, and the attachment-detachment protrusions 298 are formed on theother of the main body 2A and the container 2B on which thedirection-setting protrusion 285 is formed. In this implementation, theattachment-detachment protrusions 298 are formed on the container 2B,and the attachment-detachment groove 231 d is formed in the main body2A.

When the main body 2A is coupled to the container 2B, theattachment-detachment protrusions 298 are inserted into theattachment-detachment groove 231 d. When the main body 2A is coupled tothe container 2B, the attachment-detachment protrusions 298 are insertedinto the attachment-detachment groove 231 d such that the main body 2Ais fixed to the container 2B.

The attachment-detachment groove 231 d extends in the circumferentialdirection. The attachment-detachment groove 231 d may extend in acircular shape. In the case in which the attachment-detachment groove231 d is formed in the main body 2A, the attachment-detachment groove231 d extends along the outer circumference of the main body 2A so as tobe depressed in the direction XI inward toward the axis. In the case inwhich the attachment-detachment groove is formed in the container 2B,the attachment-detachment groove extends along the inner circumferenceof the container 2B so as to be depressed in the direction XO outwardfrom the axis.

In the case in which the attachment-detachment groove 231 d extends inthe circumferential direction and the direction-setting protrusion 285is not provided, the main body 2A is movable relative to the container2B in the state in which the main body 2A is coupled to the container2B. In the case in which the direction-setting protrusion 285 isprovided, the main body 2A is movable relative to the container 2B inthe state in which the main body 2A is incompletely coupled to thecontainer 2B, a detailed description of which will follow.

The direction-setting protrusion 285 is disposed so as to be eccentricfrom the central axis X in one direction (e.g., in the direction XOoutward from the axis). In this case, the attachment-detachmentprotrusions 298 include a first attachment-detachment protrusion 298 adisposed opposite to the direction-setting protrusion 285 about thecentral axis X (see FIG. 45). Even when the insertion portion 202 of themain body 2A and the inner surface of the inner portion 206 of thecontainer 2B are spaced apart from each other by the direction-settingprotrusion 285 in the state in which the direction-setting protrusion285 is not engaged into the direction-setting recess 270 a, therefore,the first attachment-detachment protrusion 298 a may be inserted intothe attachment-detachment groove 231 d. The first attachment-detachmentprotrusion 298 a, inserted into the attachment-detachment groove 231 d,is movable along the attachment-detachment groove 231 d. As the firstattachment-detachment protrusion 298 a is moved along theattachment-detachment groove 231 d, the main body 2A is rotated in thestate in which the main body 2A is not completely coupled to thecontainer 2B. As the first attachment-detachment protrusion 298 a ismoved along the attachment-detachment groove 231 d, the main body 2A isrotated relative to the container 2B until the direction-settingprotrusion 285 is engaged into the direction-setting recess 270 a.

For example, in the state in which until the direction-settingprotrusion 285 is not engaged into the direction-setting recess 270 a,the first attachment-detachment protrusion 298 a may be inserted intothe attachment-detachment groove 231 d such that the firstattachment-detachment protrusion 298 a can slide in the circumferentialdirection. When the first attachment-detachment protrusion 298 a slidesalong the circular attachment-detachment groove 231 d, the main body 2Amay be rotated in the state of being inclined with respect to thecontainer 2B.

The attachment-detachment protrusions 298 include a secondattachment-detachment protrusion 298 b, which can be inserted into theattachment-detachment groove 231 d only in the state in which thedirection-setting protrusion 285 is engaged into the direction-settingrecess 270 a. When the main body 2A is pushed downward at the positionat which the direction-setting protrusion 285 is engaged into thedirection-setting recess 270 a after the first attachment-detachmentprotrusion 298 a slides along the circular attachment-detachment groove231 d, the second attachment-detachment protrusion 298 b is engaged intothe attachment-detachment groove 231 d. The main body 2A is fixed to thecontainer 2B by the second attachment-detachment protrusion 298 b in thestate in which the direction-setting protrusion 285 is engaged into thedirection-setting recess 270 a.

A plurality of second attachment-detachment protrusions 298 b may bearranged in the circumferential direction at intervals. The secondattachment-detachment protrusions 298 b may be arranged at uniformintervals. One of the second attachment-detachment protrusions 298 b maybe disposed at the same side as the direction-setting protrusion 285with respect to the central axis X.

In this implementation, the direction-setting protrusion 285 is disposedat the left side, the first attachment-detachment protrusion 298 a isdisposed at the right side, and the second attachment-detachmentprotrusions 298 b are disposed at the left side, the front side, and therear side. A larger number of second attachment-detachment protrusions298 b than the number of second attachment-detachment protrusions 298 baccording to this implementation may be provided.

Each of the attachment-detachment protrusions 298 may be hook-shaped.The vertical length of each of the attachment-detachment protrusions 298may be greater than the circumferential length of each of theattachment-detachment protrusions 298.

Referring to FIG. 8, the proximity sensor 244 may include an exampleproximity signal light-emitting unit 2441 for emitting a predeterminedoptical signal Ira in the specific direction and a proximity signallight-receiving unit 2442 for receiving an optical signal Irb reflectedin the specific direction (See FIG. 31). The accessory 2 may furtherinclude a reflector 2C for reflecting the emitted optical signal Ira.

The reflector 2C includes a reflective surface 2C1 for reflecting theemitted optical signal Ira and an attachment surface 2C2 configured tobe attachable to an external object. The reflective surface 2C1 of thereflector 2C may be formed of a material exhibiting high reflectance.The attachment surface 2C2 of the reflector 2C may be detachablyattached to one surface of an external object.

In some implementations, the optical signal Ira emitted by the proximitysignal light-emitting unit 2441 may be infrared light. The proximitysignal light-receiving unit 2442 may sense the intensity of the opticalsignal Irb reflected by the reflector or the external object todetermine whether the accessory 2 has approached the external object orthe reflector.

In the case in which it is sensed whether the door 71 is open or closedusing the proximity sensor 244, the reflector 2C may also be used, whichwill be described with reference to FIG. 15.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the accessory 2 includes a detachablewaterproof member 2D for sealing a boundary between the main body 2A andthe container 2B in the state in which the main body 2A is coupled tothe container 2B. The waterproof member 2D may be used in the case inwhich the accessory 2 is placed in an environment having high humidityor in an environment in which the accessory 2 easily contacts water.

The waterproof member 2D may seal the boundary between the main body 2Aand the container 2B. The waterproof member 2D may prevent water frompermeating into the charging terminal 255, which is located at theinsertion portion 202, though the boundary between the main body 2A andthe container 2B.

In the state in which the main body 2A is coupled to the container 2B,the boundary between the main body 2A and the container 2B may define anedge that is smaller than the upper edge of the main body 2A and thelower edge of the container 2B.

The side surface of the exposed portion 201 of the main body 2A may bean inclined surface that becomes gradually closer to the central axis Xin the downward direction, and the side surface of the outer portion 205of the container 2B may be an inclined surface that becomes graduallycloser to the central axis X in the upward direction.

The upper edge of the main body 2A may be circular, and the lower edgeof the container 2B may be circular. In the state in which the main body2A is coupled to the container 2B, the boundary between the main body 2Aand the container 2B may be formed in a circular shape smaller than theupper edge of the main body 2A and the lower edge of the container 2B.

In this case, the waterproof member 2D may include an elastic bandcovering between the upper edge of the main body 2A and the lower edgeof the container 2B in the state in which the main body 2A is coupled tothe container 2B. The elastic band may be detachably attached to theassembly of the main body 2A and the container 2B.

As a result, the waterproof member 2D is caught between the upper edgeof the main body 2A and the lower edge of the container 2B, whereby thewaterproof member 2D is easily disposed. In some implementations, theupper end and the lower end of the waterproof member 2D tightly contactthe side surface of the main body 2A and the side surface of thecontainer 2B, respectively, thereby further improving waterproofingefficiency.

Use examples of the accessory 2 will be described with reference toFIGS. 11 to 16. Various kinds of information (e.g., vibration,acceleration, temperature, humidity, and infrared light), which will besensed in the following description, may be transmitted through thecommunication module over the network. Necessary information may beautomatically determined based on a signal transmitted over the network.A user may be notified of the information or the determination resultthrough the terminal 6 or the hub 1. Alternatively, the information orthe determination result may be used to control other apparatuses.

Referring to FIG. 11, an example accessory 2 having an accelerationsensor 257 may be attached to a laundry treatment apparatus 30 to sensevibration generated during the operation of the laundry treatmentapparatus 30. The accessory 2 may be attached to a cabinet 31 or a door33 of the laundry treatment apparatus 30. The accessory 2 may sense avibration cycle or a vibration period to determine whether or not thelaundry treatment apparatus 30 is being operated and the kind ofoperation performed by the laundry treatment apparatus 30 over thenetwork.

In some implementations, in the case in which the accessory 2 having theacceleration sensor 257 is attached to the door 33 of the laundrytreatment apparatus 30, it is possible to sense acceleration based onopening and closing motions of the door 33. As a result, it is possibleto determine, over the network, whether the door 33 is opened or closed.

In some implementations, the accessory 2 having the acceleration sensor257 may be placed in a washing hub for receiving laundry in the laundrytreatment apparatus 30 in the state in which the waterproof member 2D isattached to the accessory 2 having the acceleration sensor 257. In thiscase, vibration or acceleration may be sensed by the acceleration sensor257, whereby it is possible to determine, over the network, whether ornot the laundry treatment apparatus 30 is being operated.

In some implementations, an accessory 2 having a temperature andhumidity sensor 245 may be placed in the washing hub for receivinglaundry in the laundry treatment apparatus 30. In this case, thehumidity in the laundry treatment apparatus 30 during a drying operationmay be sensed, whereby it is possible to determine, over the network,whether or not the drying of the laundry has been completed.

Referring to FIG. 12, in the case in which an example accessory 2 havingan acceleration sensor 257 is attached to a door 43 of a refrigerator40, it is possible to sense acceleration based on opening and closingmotions of the door 43. As a result, it is possible to determine, overthe network, whether the door 43 is opened or closed.

In the case in which the refrigerator 40 includes a plurality of doors43, accessories 2-1, 2-2, 203, and 2-4 may be attached respectively todoors 43 a, 43 b, 43 c, and 43 d in order to determine, over thenetwork, whether the doors 43 a, 43 b, 43 c, and 43 d are opened orclosed.

In some implementations, an accessory 2 having a remote control module25 may be attached to a remote-controllable laundry treatment apparatus30 or refrigerator 40 in order to emit an optical signal to the laundrytreatment apparatus 30 or the refrigerator 40 based on a control signalover the network.

Referring to FIG. 13, an example accessory 2 having a temperature andhumidity sensor 245 may be placed in an indoor space 50 in which an airconditioner 51 is installed to sense the temperature and humidity in theindoor space 50.

In some implementations, a necessary control signal may be transmittedto the accessory 2 based on information about temperature and humiditysensed in the indoor space 50 over the network, and an accessory 2having a remote control module 25 may emit an optical signal to the airconditioner 51 in order to control whether or not to operate the airconditioner 51 and how to operate the air conditioner 51.

In the indoor space 50, an accessory 2-1 may be attached to the surfaceof the air conditioner 51. An accessory 2-2 may be attached to a wall 55or the ceiling.

Referring to FIG. 14, in a robot cleaner system 60, an example accessory2 having a proximity sensor 244 may be attached to a robot cleaner 61(2-1 in FIG. 14) or may be attached to a charging cradle 63 of the robotcleaner (2-2 in FIG. 14). An accessory 2 (2A and 2B) having a proximitysensor 244 may be attached to one selected from between the robotcleaner 61 and the charging cradle 63, and a reflector 2C may beattached to the other selected from between the robot cleaner 61 and thecharging cradle 63, in order to sense whether the robot cleaner 61 isseparated from the charging cradle 63.

In some implementations, an accessory 2 having an acceleration sensor257 may be attached to the robot cleaner 61 in order to senseacceleration based on the movement of the robot cleaner 61 and todetermine, over the network, whether the robot cleaner 61 is operating.

In some implementations, an accessory 2 having a remote control module25 may be attached to a remote-controllable robot cleaner 61 in order toemit an optical signal to the robot cleaner 61 based on a control signalover the network.

Referring to FIG. 15, in a door 71 or window (not shown) system 70 of abuilding, an example accessory 2 having an example acceleration sensor257 may be attached to the door 71 or the window in order to senseacceleration based on opening and closing motions of the door 71 or thewindow. As a result, it is possible to determine, over the network,whether the door 71 or the window is opened or closed.

In some implementations, an accessory 2 (2A and 2B) having a proximitysensor 244 may be attached to one selected from between the door 71 anda wall 75 adjacent to the door 71, and a reflector 2C may be attached tothe other selected from between the door 71 and the wall 75 adjacent tothe door 71. For example, the accessory 2 (2A, 2B, and 2C) may bedisposed such that an optical signal emitted by the proximity sensor 244is reflected by the reflector 2C in the case in which the door 71 isclosed. In this case, when the door 71 is opened, the reflector 2Cdisposed so as to be adjacent thereto in a specific direction in whichthe proximity sensor 244 emits the optical signal may disappear or moveaway to enable sensing of whether or not the door 71 is open. Whether ornot the window is open may be sensed in the same manner.

In some implementations, in the case in which the opening and closingmotions of a main door 71 of a building or a main door 43 of arefrigerator are not sensed for a long time, a resident may have had amishap. In this case, this information may be forwarded to the terminal6.

Referring to FIG. 16, an example TV 80 may include a cabinet 81, such asa display panel. The TV 80 includes a control signal light-receivingunit 83 for receiving a remote control signal. An accessory 2 having aremote control module 25 may be attached to the cabinet 81 of the TV 80or an object adjacent to the TV 80. The accessory 2 may be disposed suchthat a specific direction in which an optical signal is emitted isdirected to the control signal light-receiving unit 83. An opticalsignal may be emitted to the TV 80 based on a control signal over thenetwork.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to the aboveimplementations. The accessory 2 may be attached to the otherapparatuses or may be disposed in other places.

In each of the above implementations, a signal transmitted by theaccessory 2 over the network may be received by the terminal 6. Anapplication installed in the terminal 6 may analyze the received signalto acquire information about the operating state of an electric homeappliance (e.g., imbalance of a washing machine) or information aboutopening and closing of a door. The information or the results derived asthe result of processing the information (e.g., a warning indicatingabnormal operation of a washing machine and a notice requesting that thestate of a resident be checked when a door is not opened and closed fora long time) may be displayed through the display or speaker of theterminal 6 or the hub 1.

Referring to FIG. 17, a plurality of example containers 2B may beattached to respective external objects located at different positions.The number of containers 2B may be greater than the number of mainbodies 2A. In this case, a user may select some of the containers 2B asneeded and may couple the main bodies 2A to the selected containers 2B.In this way, it is possible to easily change the positions of the mainbodies 2A. In the case in which the containers 2B are attached to theexternal objects at optimal positions and in optimal directions, themain bodies 2A may be easily coupled to the containers 2B. Consequently,dual effort to dispose the main bodies 2A at optimal positions and inoptimal directions is not necessary.

For example, in the state in which a container 2B-1 is attached to aposition 30 and another container 2B-2 is attached to another position40, a main body 2A-1 may be coupled to the container 2B-1 and afterwardmay be coupled to the container 2B-2 as needed.

A plurality of containers 2B-1, 2B-2, 2B-3, 2B-4, 2B-5, and 2B-6 areattached respectively at a plurality of positions 30, 40, 50, 60, 70,and 80, and a smaller number of main bodies 2A than the number ofcontainers may be coupled to one or more containers 2B as needed. Inorder to realize the above implementations, the main bodies 2A may bedisposed at all the positions. Alternatively, a smaller number of mainbodies 2A may be used, and the positions of the main bodies 2A may beeasily changed.

The controller 23 may perform control such that the kind of a targettransmitted over the network can be changed based on the change inposition of the main body 2A. The kind of a target transmitted over thenetwork may be changed by user input through the terminal 6 or the inputunit 27. Alternatively, the kind of a target transmitted over thenetwork may be changed in response to automatically changing positioninformation.

The controller 23 may perform control so as to change whether or not totransmit the information about the surrounding circumstances over thenetwork and whether or not to operate the remote control module 25.Whether or not to transmit the information about the surroundingcircumstances and whether or not to operate the remote control module 25may be changed by user input through the terminal 6 or the input unit27. Alternatively, whether or not to transmit the information about thesurrounding circumstances and whether or not to operate the remotecontrol module 25 may be changed in response to automatically changedposition information.

The Internet of Things environment required by the user may be changeddepending on the change in position of the main body 2A. As a result,information about a target to be transmitted over the network may bechanged, or whether or not to transmit the information about thesurrounding circumstances and whether or not to operate the remotecontrol module 25 may be changed.

Referring to FIG. 17, a plurality of example accessories 2 may be usedto constitute a network system. For example, a main body 2A-1 andanother main body 2A-2 may be disposed at two positions selected fromamong various positions 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 within the networkenvironment N.

The network system includes a server 8 for receiving information aboutthe surrounding circumstances of one of the two main bodies 2A-1 and2A-2, e.g., the main body 2A-1, from the main body 2A-1. The server 8transmits a signal for controlling an apparatus placed around the othermain body 2A-2 to the main body 2A-2 based on the sensed information.The transmission and reception of information between the server 8 andthe main body 2A means that information is transmitted and received viathe gateway 4, the access point 7, and/or the hub 1.

For example, when a main body 2A-1 disposed at the door system 70 sensesthat the door 71 has been opened through the network system, a main body2A-2 disposed at the robot cleaner system 60 may emit a remote controloptical signal to the robot cleaner 61 such that the robot cleaner 61cleans two opposite spaces partitioned by the door 71.

In another example, a main body 2A-1 disposed at a certain point in theindoor space 50 senses temperature and humidity at the point through thenetwork system, and a main body 2A-2 disposed at the air conditioner 51may emit a remote control optical signal for controlling whether or notto operate the air conditioner 51 and the operation level of the airconditioner 51 to the air conditioner 51.

In another example, a main body 2A-1 disposed at a certain point sensesinformation about completion of operation of the washing machine,opening of the door of the refrigerator, opening of the outdoorentrance, or opening of the window at the point through the networksystem, and a main body 2A-2 disposed at the TV 80 may emit a remotecontrol optical signal for controlling the operation of the TV 80 to thecontrol signal light-receiving unit 83. As a result, a user may beinformed of a specific notice or warning through the TV 80.

In a further example, a main body 2A-1 introduced into the laundrytreatment apparatus 30 together with laundry senses temperature andhumidity in the laundry treatment apparatus 30 through the networksystem, and a main body 2A-2 disposed outside the laundry treatmentapparatus 30 may emit a remote control optical signal for controllingthe operation of the laundry treatment apparatus 30 to the laundrytreatment apparatus 30.

The network system may further include a third main body 2A. In thiscase, the server 8 may receive information about the surroundingcircumstances of the third main body 2A and the main body 2A-1. Theserver 8 may emit a signal for controlling an apparatus place around themain body 2A-2 to the main body 2A-2 based on the sensed information.

In the case in which three main bodies 2A are used, for example, thethird main body disposed at the door system 70 may sense the opening ofthe door 71, the main body 2A-1, which is disposed in one, in which theair conditioner 51 is not installed, of two opposite spaces connected toeach other as the result of opening of the door 71 may sense thetemperature or humidity in the space, and the main body 2A-2 disposed atthe air conditioner 51 may emit a remote control optical signal forcontrolling whether or not to operate the air conditioner 51 and theoperation level of the air conditioner 51 to the air conditioner 51,through the network system. In the case in which the third main bodysenses that the door 71 is closed, setting may be performed such thatthe air conditioner 51, at which the main body 2A-2 is disposed, is notcontrolled based on the temperature or humidity sensed by the main body2A-1.

The respective components of the main body 2A will be described indetail with reference to FIGS. 18 to 39.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the main body 2A includes an exampleswitch panel 210, which is elastically deformed when pushed downward bya user to push the main switch 242, a switch operation unit 220, whichis elastically deformed to generate restoring force when the switchpanel 210 is elastically deformed while supporting the switch panel 210,cases 230 and 270 for supporting the switch operation unit 220 anddefining the external appearance of the main body 2A, printed circuitboards (PCBs) 240 and 250 received in the cases 230 and 270, and atransmission member 260 disposed in the cases 230 and 270 fortransmitting an optical signal.

In this implementation, the switch panel 210 defines at least a portionof the upper surface of the main body 2A. The cases 230 and 270 includea side case 230 defining at least a portion of the external shape of themain body 2A in the direction XO outward from the axis. The side case230 is disposed at the lower side of the switch panel 210. The cases 230and 270 include a bottom case 270 defining the bottom surface of theexternal shape of the main body 2A. The bottom case 270 is connected tothe lower end of the side case 230. The switch operation unit 220 islocated on the upper side of the side case 2320. The switch operationunit 220 is disposed at the lower side of the switch panel 210. Theswitch operation unit 220 contacts the switch panel 210. When the switchpanel 210 is elastically deformed, the switch operation unit 220 is alsoelastically deformed. The PCBs 240 and 250 include an upper PCB 240 anda lower PCB 250. The lower PCB 250 is disposed under the upper PCB 240.The lower PCB 250 is connected to the upper PCB 240. The upper PCB 240is located in the side case 230. The lower PCB is located in the sidecase 230 and the bottom case 270.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the switch panel 210 is dome-shaped, forinstance. The switch panel 210 is formed of a dome-shaped plate that isconvex upward. The switch panel 210 is formed in a convex shape suchthat the center of the switch panel 210 is the highest. The switch panel210 is formed such that the edge of the switch panel 210 is the lowest.When pushed downward, the dome-shaped switch panel 210 is deformed whilegenerating upward restoring force.

The switch panel 210 defines the upper surface of the main body 2A. Theswitch panel 210 may be made of synthetic resin. The switch panel 210 isattached to the switch operation unit 220. The switch panel 210 may beattached to the switch operation unit 220 using a double-sided adhesive.When the switch panel 210 is pushed downward and deformed downward, anelastic operation portion 225, a description of which will follow, ispushed downward.

The switch panel 210 may include a plate having a predeterminedthickness. The switch panel 210 includes an upper surface 211, definingthe external appearance of the main body 2A, and a lower surface 213 fordefining the interior of the main body 2A.

The outer circumference of the switch panel 210 contacts the innersurface of the side case 230. For example, the outer circumference ofthe switch panel 210 contacts the inner surface of a side member 231, adescription of which will follow (the side surface of the side member231 in the direction XI inward toward the axis). In this case, the uppersurface of the outer circumference of the switch panel 210 substantiallycoincides with the upper end surface of the side member 231. When thedome-shaped switch panel 210 is pushed downward, the inner surface ofthe side member 231 prevents the switch panel 210 from extending in thedirection XO outward from the axis. As a result, on the assumption thatthe other conditions of the dome-shaped switch panel 210 are notchanged, greater restoring force is generated when the switch panel 210is elastically deformed downward.

When viewed from above, the switch panel 210 is generally dome-shaped.The switch panel 210 may be provided in the edge thereof with a switchpanel recess 210 a. When the switch panel 210 is located on the sidecase 230, a positioning protrusion 232 of the side case 230, adescription of which will follow, is engaged into the switch panelrecess 210 a. As a result, the switch panel 210 may be located on theside case 230 and the switch operation unit 220 in the designeddirection.

The switch panel 210 includes a light transmission unit 215 made of amaterial that transmits light. The light transmission unit 215 is madeof a transparent or semitransparent material that transmits light in theupward and downward direction of the switch panel 210. The lighttransmission unit 215 is formed at a portion of the switch panel 210that is spaced apart from the central axis X in the direction XO outwardfrom the axis. In the state in which the main body 2A is assembled, adisplay LED 249 is disposed at the lower side of the light transmissionunit 215. Light emitted by the display LED 249 may pass upward throughthe light transmission unit 215. The positioning protrusion 232 and theswitch panel recess 210 a are disposed such that the display LED 249 isdisposed at the lower side of the light transmission unit 215 in thecase in which the positioning protrusion 232 is engaged into the switchpanel recess 210 a.

Referring to FIGS. 22 to 24, the switch operation unit 220 includes anexample support frame 221 located in the case (the side case) 230 and anelastic operation portion 225 connected to the support frame 221 suchthat the elastic operation portion 225 can contact the switch panel 210.The elastic operation portion 225 may be located vertically the mainswitch 242 and extend radially outward toward an inner surface of thecase.

The support frame 221 is fixed to the case (the side case) 230. Thesupport frame 221 is located on the upper side of the side case 230. Thesupport frame 221 is disposed in the side case 230. The support frame221 supports the elastic operation portion 225.

The support frame 221 may be provided in the edge thereof with a supportframe recess 221 a. When the support frame 221 is disposed in the sidecase 230, a positioning protrusion 232 of the side case 230, adescription of which will follow, is engaged into the support framerecess 221 a. As a result, the switch operation unit 220 is located Ithe side case 230 in the designed direction.

In the case in which the positioning protrusion 232 is engaged into thesupport frame recess 221 a, the temperature and humidity sensor 245 andthe transmission member 260 may be disposed in a gap between a pluralityof separate insertion ribs 223 a and 223 b, a description of which willfollow. In some implementations, in the case in which the positioningprotrusion 232 is engaged into the support frame recess 221 a,interference is prevented when other parts are disposed between thelight transmission unit 215 and the display LED 249.

The support frame 221 includes an edge member 222 extending along thecircumference thereof about the central axis X. The edge member 222 maybe generally formed in a ring shape. The edge member 222 may be made ofa plate having a predetermined vertical thickness. The edge member 222extends along the inner circumference of the side case 230. The side ofthe edge member 222 in the direction XO outward from the axis contactsthe inner surface of the side case 230. The upper surface of the edgemember 222 contacts the lower surface of the switch panel 210. Theswitch panel 210 may be attached to the edge member 222. The lowersurface of the edge part of the switch panel 210 is disposed on theupper surface of the edge member 222.

The edge member 222 may be provided with an opening (a recess or a hole)for avoiding interference with other parts when PCBs 240 and 250 arecoupled to the side case 230. For example, an opening 222 b for securinga space occupied by the temperature and humidity sensor 245 may beformed in the edge member 222. An opening 222 c for securing a spaceoccupied by the proximity sensor 244 may be formed in the edge member222. An opening 222 d for securing a space occupied by the remotecontrol module 25 may be formed in the edge member 222. The recesses 222b, 222 c, and 222 d for securing spaces occupied by the other parts maybe formed in the edge member 222 in the direction XI inward toward theaxis.

The elastic operation portion 225 is connected to the edge member 222.The elastic operation portion 225 crosses the center of the edge member222. The edge member 222 has elastic operation portion fixing ends 222a, to which the elastic operation portion 225 is connected. The verticalthickness of each of the elastic operation portion fixing ends 222 a isgreater than the vertical thickness of the elastic operation portion225.

The support frame 221 includes an insertion rib 223 protruding downwardfrom the edge member 222 and extending along the edge member 222. Theinsertion rib 223 may extend in the circumferential direction. A singlelong insertion rib 223 may be provided. In this implementation, aplurality of separate insertion ribs 223 is provided.

The insertion ribs 223 are inserted into the case. The insertion ribs223 are inserted into the side case 230. The insertion ribs 223 areinserted into holding recesses 236 c formed in holding ribs 236 of theside case 230. The support frame 221 is more stably located in the sidecase 230 by the insertion ribs 223.

The insertion ribs 223 are separated from each other about a portion atwhich the temperature and humidity sensor 245 is disposed. The insertionribs 223 are also separated from each other about another portion atwhich the humidity sensor 244 or the remote control module 25 isdisposed. The insertion ribs 223 may include a first insertion rib 223 aand a second insertion rib 223 b, which are separated from each other.The first insertion rib 223 a and the second insertion rib 223 b extendfrom the portion at which the temperature and humidity sensor 245 isdisposed to the portion at which the humidity sensor 244 or the remotecontrol module 25 is disposed.

The support frame 221 includes a case-coupling portion 224 coupled tothe side case 230. The case-coupling portion 224 may be formed in theshape of a hook or a recess. A plurality of case-coupling portions 224may be arranged along the circumference of the support frame 221 atintervals. The case-coupling portions 224 are formed at the lowersurface of the edge member 222. The case-coupling portions 224 areformed at the sides of the insertion ribs 223 in the direction XOoutward from the axis. The upper surfaces of the case-coupling portions224 are connected to the lower surface of the edge member 222, and theends of the case-coupling portions 224 in the direction XI inward towardthe axis are connected to the insertion ribs 223. The case-couplingportions 224 may be coupled to the inner wall of the side case 230 inthe direction XO outward from the axis.

In this implementation, a coupling recess 224 a is formed in each of thecase-coupling portions 224. The coupling recess 224 a may be formed soas to be depressed in the direction XI inward toward the axis. Thecircumferential length of the coupling recess 224 a may be greater thanthe vertical length of the coupling recess 224 a. The coupling recesses224 a may be arranged along the circumference of the support frame 221at intervals.

The circumferentially opposed sides and the lower side of each of thecoupling recesses 224 a are defined by a corresponding one of thecase-coupling portions 224. The upper side of each of the couplingrecesses 224 a may be defined by the lower surface of the edge member222.

The case-coupling portions 224 are coupled to support frame-couplingportions 2331 of the side case 230. Coupling recesses are formed in oneselected from the case-coupling portions 224 and the supportframe-coupling portions 2331, and protrusions, which are engaged intothe coupling recesses, are formed in the other selected from thecase-coupling portions 224 and the support frame-coupling portions 2331.In this implementation, the coupling recesses 224 a are formed in thecase-coupling portions 224, and protrusions, which are engaged into thecoupling recesses, are formed in the support frame-coupling portions2331.

The elastic operation portion 225 is disposed at the lower side of theswitch panel 210. When the switch panel 210 is elastically deformeddownward, the elastic operation portion 225 is also elastically deformeddownward to generate restoring force. When the switch operation portion220 is elastically deformed downward, the main switch 242 is pushed.When the main switch 242 is pushed, control information is input to thecontroller 23.

The elastic operation portion 225 is disposed at the upper side of themain switch 242. The main switch 242 is disposed in the cases 230 and270. The main switch 242 is pushed downward such that a command is inputto the controller 23. When the elastic operation portion 225 iselastically deformed downward, the main switch 242 is pushed. Theelastic operation portion 225 is spaced apart from the upper end of themain switch 242 by a predetermined distance in the state of not beingelastically deformed.

The elastic operation portion 225 is disposed between the switch panel210 and the main switch 242.

The elastic operation portion 225 is formed at the support frame 221 ina bridge shape. The elastic operation portion 225 may be generallyformed of a bar type plate. The elastic operation portion 225 may crossthe central axis X. The elastic operation portion 225 horizontallytraverses the upper side of the main switch 242. When the elasticoperation portion 225 is viewed from above, a first connection part 226a, a first bent part 227 a, a middle part 228, a second bent part 227 b,and a second connection part 226 b, a description of which will follow,are sequentially arranged.

The elastic operation portion 225 is generally convex upward. The middlepart of the elastic operation portion 225 is the highest. Referring toFIG. 24, the middle part 228 of the elastic operation portion 225 ishigher by a predetermined length hs than the end of the edge member 222in the direction XO outward from the axis.

In some implementations, the elastic operation portion 225 may beconnected to opposite sides of the edge member 222. The elasticoperation portion 225 may cross the center of the edge member 222. Whenthe elastic operation portion 225 is pushed downward, therefore, theedge member 222 restricts the opposite ends of the elastic operationportion 225 to prevent the elastic operation portion 225 from extendingin the opposite directions such that the elastic deformation isconcentrated on the bent parts 227, a description of which will follow.

The elastic operation portion 225 includes connection parts 226connected to the support frame 221, bent parts 227 formed so as to beconvex downward, and a middle part 228 connected to the bent parts 227 aand 227 b. The middle part 228 includes a horizontal plate 228 a havingopposite ends connected to the bent parts 227 a and 227 b and a pushprotrusion 228 b for pushing the main switch 242 downward.

The bent parts 227 are convex downward. When the elastic operationportion 225 is pushed, the bent parts 227 are much more elasticallydeformed than the other parts.

The bent parts 227 connect the connection parts 226 to the middle part228. One end a1 of each of the bent parts 227 is connected to acorresponding one of the connection parts 226, and the other end a2 ofeach of the bent parts 227 is connected to the middle part 228. The bentparts 227 include a first bent part 227 a for connecting the firstconnection part 226 a to the middle part 228 and a second bent part 227b for connecting the second connection part 226 b to the middle part228. The first bent part 227 a may extend radially outward from a firstend of the middle part 228. The first bent part 227 a may have a firstcurvature that is convex downward. The second bent part 227 b may extendradially outward from a second end of the middle part opposite the firstend. The second bent part 227 b may have a second curvature that isconvex downward.

The bent parts 227 are connected to the opposite ends of the middle part228. The bent parts 227 include a first bent part 227 a connected to oneend of the middle part 228 and a second bent part 227 b connected to theother end of the middle part 228.

The first bent part 227 a is configured such that the end a2 of thefirst bent part 227 a adjacent to the middle part 228 is higher than theend a1 of the first bent part 227 a distant from the middle part 228.The second bent part 227 b is configured such that the end a2 of thesecond bent part 227 b adjacent to the middle part 228 is higher thanthe end a1 of the second bent part 227 b distant from the middle part228.

When the elastic operation portion 225 is pushed downward in the statein which the elastic operation portion 225 is convex upward without thebent parts 227, buckling may occur in an undesired portion of theelastic operation portion 225, and excessive force may be required inorder to push the elastic operation portion 225.

In the present disclosure, the bent parts 227 are provided. When theelastic operation portion 225 is pushed downward, the bent parts 227 arefurther bent, with the result that the curvature of the bent parts 227is increased and the distance between the opposite ends a1 and a2 ofeach of the bent parts 227 is decreased. As the bent parts 227 areelastically deformed when bent, restoring force is generated.

For example, the first bent part 227 a has a curvature that is convexdownward. When the middle part 228 is pushed downward, the first bentpart 227 a is further bent, with the result that the curvature of thefirst bent part 227 a is increased and the distance between the oppositeends a1 and a2 of the first bent part 227 a is decreased. In someimplementations, the second bent part 227 b has a curvature that isconvex downward. When the middle part 228 is pushed downward, the secondbent part 227 b is further bent, with the result that the curvature ofthe second bent part 227 b is increased and the distance between theopposite ends a1 and a2 of the second bent part 227 b is decreased.

As a result, deformation of the elastic operation portion 225 isconcentrated on the bent parts 227 without buckling, which isadvantageous in inducing deformation desired by a designer and inpredetermining the magnitude of the restoring force.

The connection parts 226 include a first connection part 226 a definingone end of the elastic operation portion 225 and connected to one sideof the support frame 221 and a second connection part 226 b defining theother end of the elastic operation portion 225 and connected to theother side of the support frame 221. The first connection part 226 a andthe second connection part 226 b may be disposed about the central axisX in opposite directions. The first connection part 226 a and the secondconnection part 226 b are connected to the elastic operation portionfixing ends 222 a. The first connection part 226 a may extend radiallyoutward from the first bent part 227 a to the support frame 221, and thesecond connection part 226 b may extend radially outward from the secondbent part 227 b to the support frame 221.

One end of each of the connection parts 226 is connected to the supportframe 221, and the other end of each of the connection parts 226 isconnected to a corresponding one of the bent parts 227. The firstconnection part 226 a connects the first bent part 227 a to the supportframe 221. The second connection part 226 b connects the second bentpart 227 b to the support frame 221.

Each of the connection parts 226 may be formed of a bar type plate. Eachof the connection parts 226 may be a member having a predeterminedvertical thickness. Each of the connection parts 226 is disposed to havethe inclination in which the height is gradually increased from the enda0 of the support frame 221 to the end a1 of each of the bent parts 227.The first connection part 226 a is disposed to have the inclination inwhich the height is gradually increased from the end a0 of the supportframe 221 to the end a1 of the first bent part 227 a. The secondconnection part 226 b is disposed to have the inclination in which theheight is gradually increased from the end a0 of the support frame 221to the end a1 of the second bent part 227 b. As a result, the elasticoperation portion 225 may be generally formed so as to be convex upward.

The middle part 228 is disposed between the middle part of the switchpanel 210 and the main switch 242.

The middle part 228 is disposed at the lower side of the middle part ofthe switch panel 210. The upper surface of the middle part 228 maycontact the lower surface of the switch panel 210 or may be spaced apartfrom the lower surface of the switch panel 210. In the state in whichthe middle part 228 and the switch panel 210 are not elasticallydeformed, the upper surface of the middle part 228 may be spaced apartfrom the lower surface of the switch panel 210. When the switch panel210 is elastically deformed downward, the lower surface of the switchpanel 210 contacts the upper surface of the middle part 228, with theresult that the middle part 228 is pushed downward.

The middle part 228 is disposed at the upper side of the main switch242. When moved downward, the middle part 228 pushes the main switch242. In the state in which the middle part 228 is not elasticallydeformed, the middle part 228 is spaced apart from the upper end of themain switch 242 by a predetermined distance.

The middle part 228 interconnects the bent parts 227. One end of themiddle part 228 is connected to the first bent part 227 a, and the otherend of the middle part 228 is connected to the second bent part 227 b.The upper surface of the middle part 228 is disposed higher than theother parts of the elastic operation portion 225. As a result, theelastic operation portion 225 may be generally formed so as to be convexupward.

The middle part 228 includes a horizontal plate 228 a defining the uppersurface of the middle part 228.

The connection parts 226 a and 226 b and the bent parts 227 a and 227 bare each formed of a plate. The first connection part 226 a, the secondconnection part 226 b, the first bent part 227 a, and the second bentpart 227 b are each formed of a plate.

The horizontal plate 228 a is thicker than the first bent part 227 a andthe second bent part 227 b. The horizontal plate 228 a may be thickerthan the first connection part 226 a and the second connection part 226b. As a result, the rigidity of the horizontal plate 228 a is increased.When the elastic operation portion 225 is pushed downward, therefore,the elastic deformation may be easily concentrated on the bent parts227. Consequently, it is possible for a designer to more easily set theelastic force of the elastic operation portion 225. In someimplementations, the rigidity of the horizontal plate 228 a issufficiently secured even if the largest bending moment is applied tothe horizontal plate 228 a, thereby improving the durability of theelastic operation portion 225.

The horizontal plate 228 a interconnects the bent parts 227. One end ofthe horizontal plate 228 a is connected to the first bent part 227 a,and the other end of the horizontal plate 228 a is connected to thesecond bent part 227 b.

The middle part 228 includes a push protrusion 228 b protruding downwardfrom the lower surface of the horizontal plate 228 a. The pushprotrusion 228 b may be disposed at the middle of the horizontal plate228 a. The push protrusion 228 b may have various shapes. In thisimplementation, the push protrusion 228 b is formed in a hollowcylindrical shape.

In the state in which the upper end b2 of the middle part 228 is notpushed, the lower end b1 of the push protrusion 228 b is spaced apartfrom the upper end of the main switch 242 by a first predeterminedlength. When the middle part 228 is pushed downward, the lower end b1 ofthe push protrusion 228 b contacts the upper end of the main switch 242,with the result that the main switch 242 is pushed downward. The mainswitch 242 is set to be pushed by a second predetermined length. The sumof the first predetermined length and the second predetermined length isdefined as a stroke length d1.

The depth of the downwardly concave surface of each of the bent parts227 is defined as a bending depth d2. For example, the bending depth d2may be defined as the distance from a plane interconnecting the oppositeends a1 and a2 of each of the bent parts 227 to the upper surface ofeach of the bent parts 227.

The elastic operation portion 225 may be configured such that thebending depth d2 is greater than the stroke length d1. As a result, theelastic deformation of the elastic operation portion 225 may beconcentrated on the bent parts 227 under the condition that the strokelength d1 is uniform. The bending depth d2 may be about 1.5 times thestroke length d1. For example, the stroke length d1 may be preset toabout 0.5 mm, and the bending depth d2 may be preset to about 0.75 mm.

The structure of the side case 230 will be described in detail withreference to FIGS. 25 to 27.

The side case 230 includes a side member 231 defining the externalappearance of the circumference thereof about the central axis X. Theside member 231 may extend in the circumferential direction. The sidemember 231 may be constituted by a wall having a predetermined verticalheight. Referring to FIG. 36, an example inclined surface S of the sidemember 231 is formed so as to become increasingly distant from thecentral axis X in the upward direction. The upper end of the side member231 defines the thickness of the side member 231 in the direction XIinward toward the axis and in the direction XO outward from the axis.The corner of the upper end of the side member 231 in the direction XIinward toward the axis defines the inner edge of the side member 231.The corner of the upper end of the side member 231 in the direction XOoutward from the axis defines the upper edge E1 of the main body 2A.

The side member 231 is provided with a transmission member location hole231 a, in which the transmission member 260 is located. Thecircumferential length of the transmission member location hole 231 a isgreater than the vertical length of the transmission member locationhole 231 a. The transmission member location hole 231 a is formed in theinclined surface S of the side member 231. Circumferentially opposedends of the transmission member location hole 231 a are rounded.

The side member 231 is provided with a sensor hole 231 b, through whichair, which is sensed by the temperature and humidity sensor 245, passes.The sensor hole 231 b may be circular. The sensor hole 231 b is formedopposite the transmission member location hole 231 a about the centralaxis X. A space in which the temperature and humidity sensor 245 isdisposed is defined in the sensor hole 231 b in the direction XI inwardtoward the axis.

The side member 231 is provided with a charging terminal recess 231 c,through which a plug is inserted into the charging terminal 255. The endof the charging terminal 255 is held in the charging terminal recess 231c. The charging terminal recess 231 c is formed in the lower part of theside member 231. The end of the charging terminal 255 is located in thecharging terminal recess 231 c such that the circumferentially opposedside surfaces and the upper surface of the end of the charging terminal255 contact the side member 231 and the lower surface of the end of thecharging terminal 255 contacts the bottom case 270. The chargingterminal recess 231 c may be formed in the insertion portion 202 of themain body 2A, which is not exposed when the main body 2A is coupled tothe container 2B.

The attachment-detachment groove 231 d is formed in the outercircumference of the side member 231. The attachment-detachment groove231 d may extend in the circumferential direction. Theattachment-detachment groove 231 d may be interrupted by the chargingterminal recess 231 c.

In some implementations, the side member 231 is provided with a buttonhole 231 d, through which an inner button may be pushed. An externalobject may be inserted through the button hole 231 d to push an innerbutton, such as a reset button 252. The button hole 231 d may be formedin the surface that defines the attachment-detachment groove 231 d suchthat the button hole 231 d is not easily visible. The button hole 231 dmay be formed in the insertion portion 202 of the main body 2A, which isnot exposed when the main body 2A is coupled to the container 2B. Aspace in which the reset button 252 is disposed is defined in the buttonhole 231 d in the direction XI inward toward the axis.

The side member 231 is provided with a positioning protrusion 232. Thepositioning protrusion 232 may be engaged into the switch panel recess210 a. The positioning protrusion 232 may be engaged into the supportframe recess 221 a. The positioning protrusion 232 protrudes from theinner surface of the side member 231.

The positioning protrusion 232 extends vertically along the innersurface of the side member 231. In this case, the upper part of thepositioning protrusion 232 is located in the switch panel recess 210 a,and the lower part of the positioning protrusion 232 is located in thesupport frame recess 221 a.

The side member 231 is provided with support frame-coupling portions2331, which are coupled to the support frame 221. The supportframe-coupling portions 2331 may be hook-shaped or dome-shaped. Thesupport frame-coupling portions 2331 may be arranged along thecircumference of the side member 231 at intervals. The supportframe-coupling portions 2331 are formed on the inner surface of the sidemember 231. The support frame-coupling portions 2331 are formed on theupper part of the side member 231. The support frame-coupling portions2331 may be hooks protruding from the inner surface of the side member231 in the direction XI inward toward the axis. Each of the hooks 2331may be formed in a shape having a circumferential length greater than avertical length. The hooks 2331 are inserted into the coupling recesses224 a of the support frame 221.

The side case 230 includes holding ribs 236 for guiding the supportframe 221 such that the support frame 221 is located in the side case230. Holding recesses 236 c are formed in the holding ribs 236. Theinsertion ribs 223 of the support frame 221 are inserted into theholding recesses 236 c. The holding ribs 236 are arranged along thecircumference of the side case 230 at intervals. The holding ribs 236are disposed inside the side case 230. The holding ribs 236 protrudeupward from the upper surface of a main rib 235, a description of whichwill follow, and extend in the direction XI inward toward the axis andthe direction XO outward from the axis.

Each of the holding ribs 236 may include a first holding rib 236 a and asecond holding rib 236 b, which are separated from each other. A gapbetween the first holding rib 236 a and the second holding rib 236 bdefines a holding recess 236 c. One end of the first holding rib 236 amay be connected to the inner surface of the side member 231. One end ofthe second holding rib 236 b may be connected to a connection rib 239, adescription of which will follow.

The side member 231 is provided with a bottom case-coupling portion2332, which is coupled to the bottom case 270. The bottom case-couplingportion 2332 may be hook-shaped or dome-shaped. A plurality of bottomcase-coupling portions 2332 may be arranged along the circumference ofthe side member 231 at intervals. The bottom case-coupling portions 2332are formed on the inner surface of the side member 231. The bottomcase-coupling portions 2332 are formed on the lower part of the sidemember 231. The bottom case-coupling portions 2332 may be hooksprotruding from the inner surface of the side member 231 in thedirection XI inward toward the axis. Each of the hooks 2332 may beformed in a shape having a circumferential length greater than avertical length. The hooks 2332 are inserted into coupling recesses 273a formed in the bottom case 270.

The side case 230 includes a lower guide 237 for guiding the dispositionof the lower PCB 250. The lower guide 237 may be a bar type memberprotruding downward. Alternatively, the lower guide 237 may be a ribtype member protruding downward. The lower guide 237 extends upward anddownward. The lower end of the lower guide 237 is a free end. The upperend of the lower guide 237 may be connected to the lower surface of themain rib 235. The lower guide 237 is disposed at the inner edge of theside case 230. A plurality of lower guides 237 may be arranged along thecircumference of the main rib 235 at intervals. Referring to FIG. 35,the lower PCB 250 is provided with example guide recesses 250 a, intowhich the lower guides 237 are engaged. When the lower PCB 250 is placedsuch that the lower guides 237 are inserted into the guide recesses 250a, the lower PCB 250 may be placed at a predetermined position.

The side case 230 includes a PCB disposition member 238, which ishorizontally formed in the side member 231. When viewed from above, thePCB disposition member 238 is disposed at the central part of the sidecase 230.

The side case 230 includes a PCB disposition member connection portion234 for connecting the PCB disposition member 238 to the side member231. The PCB disposition member connection portion 234 is supported bythe side member 231, and the PCB disposition member 238 is supported bythe PCB disposition member connection portion 234. The PCB dispositionmember connection portion 234 is disposed at the edge of the PCBdisposition member 238. In some implementations, the PCB dispositionmember connection portion 234 is disposed between the PCB dispositionmember 238 and the side member 231.

The PCB disposition member connection portion 234 includes a main rib235 protruding from the inner surface of the side member 231 in thedirection XI inward toward the axis and extending along thecircumference of the side member 231. The main rib 235 has apredetermined vertical thickness. The main rib 235 may be ring-shaped.The main rib 235 provides a support point for supporting the PCBdisposition member 238.

The PCB disposition member connection portion 234 includes a connectionrib 239 protruding from the main rib 235 so as to be connected to thePCB disposition member 238. The connection rib 239 may protrude downwardfrom the lower surface of the main rib 235. In this implementation, theconnection rib 239 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the mainrib 235. The lower end of the connection rib 239 may be connected to theend of the main rib 235 in the direction XI inward toward the axis. Theupper end of the connection rib 239 may be connected to the end of thePCB disposition member 238 in the direction XO outward from the axis.

The connection rib 239 may extend in the circumferential direction. Aplurality of connection ribs 239 may be arranged in the circumferentialdirection at intervals. Holes 239 a may be defined between therespective connection ribs 239. The holes 239 a are defined by theconnection ribs 239 at opposite sides of the respective holes 239 a inthe circumferential direction and are defined by the PCB dispositionmember 238 and the main rib 235 in the vertical direction.

The PCB disposition member 238 is a plate member that is disposedhorizontally. When viewed from above, the PCB disposition member 238 maybe generally circular. The PCB disposition member 238 may be disposedhorizontally.

The PCB disposition member 238 is provided with a vertical through hole238 a. Referring to FIGS. 29 to 31, the PCB disposition member 238 isprovided with an example PCB through hole 238 a 1. The PCB may bedisposed so as to extend through the PCB through hole 238 a 1. Referringto FIGS. 32 and 34, the PCB disposition member 238 is provided with anexample element through hole 238 a 2. A predetermined element or partmay be disposed so as to extend through the element through hole 238 a2. In this implementation, the upper PCB 240 extends through the PCBthrough hole 238 a 1, and a connector 2547 of the power supply device254 extends through the element through hole 238 a 2. The PCB throughhole 238 a 1 and the element through hole 238 a 2 may be formedseparately. In this implementation, the PCB through hole 238 a 1 and theelement through hole 238 a 2 are integrally formed into a single throughhole 238 a.

Referring to FIGS. 25 to 31, the PCB disposition member 238 includesexample PCB contact portions 2381 and 2385, which define a PCB locationsurface. For example, the upper surface of the PCB disposition member238 includes an upper contact portion 2381, which contacts the lowersurface of the upper PCB 240. The lower surface of the PCB dispositionmember 238 includes a lower contact portion 2385, which contacts theupper surface of the upper PCB 240. The upper PCB 240 may extend throughthe through hole 238 a so as to be disposed at both the upper side andthe lower side of the PCB disposition member 238. In this case, theupper PCB 240 may contact both the upper contact portion 2381 and thelower contact portion 2385.

The upper contact portion 2381 of the PCB disposition member 238 isdisposed higher than the other portions. The upper contact portion 2381may extend in the forward and rearward direction. The front end of theupper contact portion 2381 may extend to the front end of the PCBdisposition member 238, and the rear end of the upper contact portion2381 may extend to the rear end of the PCB disposition member 238.

The PCB disposition member 238 includes fixing portions 2382 and 2383for fixing the PCB to the PCB disposition member 238. For example, thePCB disposition member 238 may include an upper fixing protrusion 2382protruding upward and a lower fixing protrusion 2386 protrudingdownward. The upper fixing protrusion 2382 may be disposed at the uppercontact portion 2381, and the lower fixing protrusion 2386 may bedisposed at the lower contact portion 2385. The upper fixing protrusion2382 may be inserted into a fixing hole 240 a formed in the upper PCB240, and the lower fixing protrusion 2386 may be inserted into a fixinghole 240 b formed in the upper PCB 240.

The inner space of the side case 230 may be defined by the PCBdisposition member 238. The inner space of the side case 230 may bepartitioned into an upper inner space defined at the upper side of thePCB disposition member 238 and a lower inner space defined at the lowerside of the PCB disposition member 238. The upper inner space of theside case 230 extends along the inner circumference of the side member231 so as to have a larger vertical depth. The sensor module, includingthe temperature and humidity sensor 245 and the proximity sensor 244,may be disposed in the upper inner space of the side case 230. Theremote control module 25 may be disposed in the upper inner space of theside case 230.

The main body 2A includes PCBs 240 and 250. The PCBs 240 and 250 aredisposed in the main body 2A. Two or more PCBs 240 and 250 may bedisposed so as to realize a layered structure. In this implementation,the upper PCB 240 is disposed above the lower PCB 250.

Referring to FIGS. 29 to 31, the upper PCB 240 includes an example upperplate portion 2401 contacting the upper contact portion 2381, a lowerplate portion 2405 contacting the lower contact portion 2385, and aconnection plate portion 2403 for connecting the upper plate portion2401 and the lower plate portion 2405 to each other. The upper plateportion 2401 is disposed in the upper inner space of the side case 230,and the lower plate portion 2405 is disposed in the lower inner space ofthe side case 230. The connection plate portion 2403 vertically extendsthrough the through hole 238 a.

When viewed from above, the upper plate portion 2401 extends to the mainrib 235 in the forward and rearward direction. The upper plate portion2401 is provided with a fixing hole 240 a. The upper fixing protrusion2382 is inserted into the fixing hole 240 a such that the upper plateportion 2401 is fixed.

The front part of the upper plate portion 2401 may be bent downwardalong the front corner of the PCB disposition member 238. The rear partof the upper plate portion 2401 may be bent downward along the rearcorner of the PCB disposition member 238. The control signallight-emitting unit 243 or the proximity sensor 244 may be disposed atthe forward-facing surface of the bent front part of the upper plateportion 2401. The temperature and humidity sensor 245 may be disposed atthe rearward-facing surface of the bent rear part of the upper plateportion 2401.

The control signal light-emitting unit 243 is disposed at the front partof the upper plate portion 2401. The control signal light-emitting unit243 may include an LED for emitting infrared light to the front. Thetransmission member 260 is disposed in front of the control signallight-emitting unit 243. The control signal light-emitting unit 243 islocated at the upper side of the main rib 235 on the front side of theside case. The control signal light-emitting unit 243 is electricallyconnected to the upper PCB 240.

The proximity sensor 244 is disposed at the front part of the upperplate portion 2401. The proximity sensor 244 includes a proximity signallight-emitting unit 2441 for emitting infrared light to the front and aproximity signal light-receiving unit 2442 for receiving a reflectedcomponent of the emitted infrared light. The transmission member 260 isdisposed in front of the proximity sensor 244. The proximity sensor 244is located at the upper side of the main rib 235 on the front side ofthe side case 230. The proximity sensor 244 is electrically connected tothe upper PCB 240.

The control signal light-emitting unit 243 and the proximity sensor 244are disposed at the left and right sides of the front part of the sidecase 230. Infrared light emitted by the control signal light-emittingunit 243 and infrared light emitted by the proximity sensor 244 may passthrough the transmission member 260. The control signal light-emittingunit 243 and the proximity sensor 244 are disposed at the rear of thetransmission member 260.

The temperature and humidity sensor 245 may be disposed at the rear partof the upper plate portion 2401. The temperature and humidity sensor 245senses the temperature and/or humidity of air passing through the sensorhole 231 b. The sensor hole 231 b is disposed at the rear of thetemperature and humidity sensor 245. The proximity sensor 244 is locatedat the upper side of the main rib 235 on the rear side of the side case230. The proximity sensor 244 is electrically connected to the upper PCB240.

The main switch 242 may be disposed at the central part of the upperplate portion 2401. The main switch 242 may be pushed downward. The pushprotrusion 228 b is disposed at the upper side of the main switch 242 soas to be space apart from the main switch 242 by a predetermineddistance.

The upper plate portion 2401 is formed in a shape that can be connectedto all of the control signal light-emitting unit 243, the proximitysensor 244, the temperature and humidity sensor 245, and the main switch242.

The display LED 249 may be disposed at the upper plate portion 2401. Thedisplay LED 249 may include a plurality of LEDs having different colors.The display LED 249 may inform a user of charging/discharging of thebattery 2541 or whether the accessory has been paired with the network.The region in which the display LED 249 is disposed is shown in FIG. 29.The display LED 249 is disposed at the lower side of the lighttransmission unit 215 of the switch panel 210. Light emitted by thedisplay LED 249 may pass through the light transmission unit 215. Inthis implementation, the display LED 249 is disposed between the mainswitch 242 and the temperature and humidity sensor 245.

The upper plate portion 2401 of the PCB is bent downward and extends todefine the upper end of the connection plate portion 2403. The lowerplate portion 2405 of the PCB is bent upward and extends to define thelower end of the connection plate portion 2403. The connection plateportion 2403 is disposed at the right side of the main switch 242. Theconnection plate portion 2403 electrically connects the upper plateportion 2401 and the lower plate portion 2405 to each other.

The lower plate portion 2405 extends from the lower end of theconnection plate portion 2403 in the direction XO outward from the axis.When viewed from below, one end of the lower plate portion 2405 extendsto the main rib 235. The lower plate portion 2405 is provided with afixing hole 240 b. The lower fixing protrusion 2386 is inserted into thefixing hole 240 b such that the lower plate portion 2405 is fixed.

A lower PCB connection terminal 248 is disposed at the lower plateportion 2405. The lower PCB connection terminal 248 provides anelectrical connection point with the lower PCB 250. The lower PCBconnection terminal 248 is connected to an upper PCB connection terminal258 disposed on the lower PCB 250. The region in which the lower PCBconnection terminal 248 is disposed is shown in FIG. 30. The lower PCBconnection terminal 248 is disposed at the lower surface of the lowerplate portion 2405.

Referring to FIGS. 32 to 35, the lower PCB 250 includes an example mainboard 2501. The main board 2501 is a plate member that is disposedhorizontally. The guide recesses 250 a are formed in the main board2501. The guide recesses 250 a are arranged along the circumference ofthe main board 2501 at intervals. The guide recesses 250 a are formedfrom the edge of the main board 2501 toward the central axis X.

The upper PCB connection terminal 258 is disposed at the main board2501. The upper PCB connection terminal 258 is disposed at the uppersurface of the main board 2501. The upper PCB connection terminal 258provides an electrical connection point with the upper PCB 240. Theupper PCB connection terminal 258 is connected to the lower PCBconnection terminal 248, which is disposed on the upper PCB 240. Theregion in which the upper PCB connection terminal 258 is disposed isshown in FIG. 32.

The communication module 26 is disposed at the main board 2501. Thecommunication module 26 may be disposed at the upper surface of the mainboard 2501. The communication module 26 includes an antenna 253 fortransmitting and receiving a signal over the network. Referring to FIG.32, the antenna 253 may be patterned on the main board 2501. In anotherexample, an additional antenna 253 may be disposed at a place other thanthe main board 2501.

The acceleration sensor 257 may be disposed at the main board 2501. Theacceleration sensor 257 may be disposed at the upper surface of the mainboard 2501. The region in which the acceleration sensor 257 is disposedis shown in FIG. 32.

The lower PCB 250 includes an element protection cover 259 forprotecting elements disposed on the main board 2501. The elementprotection cover 259 may be disposed at the upper surface of the mainboard 2501. The element protection cover 259 covers the elementsdisposed on the main board 2501.

The power supply device 254 may be disposed at the main board 2501. Thepower supply device 254 includes a rechargeable battery 2541 forsupplying power. The power supply device 254 may include an abnormalcurrent interruption unit 2542 for interrupting power when abnormalcurrent is supplied from the battery 2541. The power supply device 254may include a battery connection line 2543 for electrically connectingthe battery 2541 to the abnormal current interruption unit 2542. Thepower supply device 254 includes a board-side connector 2548 disposed atthe main board 2501 for supplying current from the battery 2541 to themain board 2501. The power supply device 254 includes a conductor-sideconnector 2547 connected to the board-side connector 2548. One of theboard-side connector 2548 and the conductor-side connector 2547 is asocket, and the other of the board-side connector 2548 and theconductor-side connector 2547 is a plug. The power supply device 254includes a connector connection line 2545 for electrically connectingthe conductor-side connector 2547 to the abnormal current interruptionunit 2542.

The power supply device 254 includes a replacement module 254 a that isreplaceable when needed. The replacement module 254 a includes thebattery 2541, the abnormal current interruption unit 2542, the batteryconnection line 2543, the conductor-side connector 2547, and theconnector connection line 2545. The power supply device 254 includes thereplacement module 254 a and the board-side connector 2548.

The battery 2541 is disposed at the lower surface of the main board2501. When viewed from below, the battery 2541 is circular, and isdisposed such that the center of the battery 2541 is located at a pointspaced apart from the central axis X. The battery 2541 may beelectrically connected to the charging terminal 255.

The abnormal current interruption unit 2542 is disposed at the lowersurface of the main board 2501. The abnormal current interruption unit2542 may be a plate member that is perpendicular to the main board 2501.

The board-side connector 2548 is disposed at the upper surface of themain board 2501. The conductor-side connector 2547 is disposed at theupper side of the main board 2501. The connector connection line 2545connects the abnormal current interruption unit 2542, which is disposedat the lower surface of the main board 2501, and the conductor-sideconnector 2547, which is disposed at the upper side of the main board2501, to each other. A conductor through hole 250 b is formed in themain board 2501, and the connector connection line 2545 extends throughthe conductor through hole 250 b.

Referring to FIG. 34, the board-side connector 2548 and theconductor-side connector 2547 extend through the element through hole238 a 2.

The charging terminal 255 is disposed at the lower surface of the mainboard 2501. The charging terminal 255 is located in the chargingterminal recess 231 c. When discharged, the battery 2541 may be chargedthrough the charging terminal 255.

The reset button 252 is disposed at the lower surface of the main board2501. The reset button 252 is disposed in the button hole 231 d in thedirection XI inward toward the axis. In the case in which the lowerguides 237 are inserted into the guide recesses 250 a, the dispositionbetween the reset button 252 and the sensor hole 231 b and thedisposition between the upper PCB connection terminal 258 and the lowerPCB connection terminal 248 are achieved as desired.

Referring to FIGS. 36 to 38, the transmission member 260 is located inthe transmission member location hole 231 a of the side case 230. Thetransmission member 260 includes a front window 261 exposed to theoutside, a catching portion 263 for enabling the transmission member 260to be caught by the side member 231, and a disposition guide 264 forguiding the disposition of elements at the rear of the transmissionmember 260.

The side member 231 includes an inclined surface S having differentdistances from the central axis X in the vertical direction. Theinclined surface S forms an acute angle with the central axis X in animaginary vertical section including the central axis X. In thisimplementation, the side member 231 includes an inclined surface S thatis gradually distant from the central axis X in the upward direction.

The transmission member location hole 231 a is formed in the inclinedsurface S of the side member 231. When the window 261 is viewed from thefront, the edge of the window 261 protrudes so as to correspond to theinclined surface S of the side member 231. Referring to FIG. 36, in anarbitrary horizontal section, the extent to which the surface of theedge of the window 261 protrudes in the direction XO outward from theaxis is substantially proportional to the extent to which the surface ofthe side member adjacent to the window 261 protrudes in the direction XOoutward from the axis. The protruding surface of the edge of the window261 may have substantially the same inclination as the inclined surfaceS.

When the window 261 is viewed from the front, the central part of thewindow 261 defines a surface 261 a formed so as to be parallel to thecentral axis X in an imaginary vertical section including the centralaxis X.

In the case in which the inclined surface S has an inclination graduallydistant from the central axis X in the upward direction, the window 261includes a vertical portion 261 a formed at the central part and thelower part of the window 261. The vertical portion 261 a defines asurface 261 a formed so as to be parallel to the central axis X in animaginary vertical section including the central axis X. The verticalportion 261 a is perpendicular to an imaginary horizontal plane (a planeperpendicular to the central axis X).

The lower end of the vertical portion 261 a defines the lower end of thewindow 261. The lower end of the vertical portion 261 a is connected tothe side member 231 at the lower side of the transmission memberlocation hole 231 a. In an imaginary vertical section, the surface ofthe vertical portion 261 a is disposed on substantially the samevertical line as the surface of the side member 231 at the lower side ofthe transmission member location hole 231 a. When infrared light isemitted from the rear of the vertical portion 261 a to the front of thevertical portion 261 a, therefore, the infrared light travels straight,without being refracted.

The side member 231 may extend in the circumferential direction. Theinclined surface S may be curved in the circumferential direction. Thevertical portion 261 a may be curved in the circumferential direction.The circumferential curvature of the vertical portion 261 a issubstantially the same as the circumferential curvature of the sidemember 231 at the lower side of the transmission member location hole231 a.

The window 261 includes circumferential portions 261 b and 261 cprotruding from the upper edge and the left and right edges of thewindow 261 in the direction XO outward from the axis. Thecircumferential portions 261 b and 261 c may be formed along theinclined surface S of the side member 231 so as to be gradually distantfrom the central axis X in the upward direction. The circumferentialportions 261 b and 261 c may be formed in a convex shape.

The circumferential portions 261 b and 261 c include an uppercircumferential portion 261 b protruding forward from the upper part ofthe window 261 and side circumferential portions 261 c protrudingforward from the left and right parts of the window 261. The sidecircumferential portions 261 c are formed so as to gradually protrude inthe upward direction.

When the window 261 is viewed from the front, the region defined by thecircumferential portions 261 b and 261 c and the vertical portion 261 ais concave.

The catching portion 263 may protrude from the rear edge of the window261 upward, downward, leftward, or rightward. The catching portion 263is formed at the rear side of the transmission member location hole 231a. The catching portion 263 extends upward, downward, leftward, orrightward such that the transmission member 260 cannot escape from thetransmission member location hole 231 a. The catching portion 263contacts the inner wall of the side member 231 such that thetransmission member 260 cannot escape from the transmission memberlocation hole 231 a.

The catching portion 263 may protrude upward or downward. In thisimplementation, two catching portions 263 protrude fromcircumferentially opposed sides of the window 261. The catching portions263 may include a first catching portion 263 a disposed at one side ofthe window 261 and a second catching portion 263 b disposed at the otherside of the window 261. The catching portions 263 are caught by the sidemember 231 adjacent to the transmission member location hole 231 a.

The main body 2A includes an optical signal light-emitting unit foremitting a predetermined optical signal in a specific direction. Theoptical signal light-emitting unit may be constituted by the proximitysensor 244 and/or the control signal light-emitting unit 243. That is,the optical signal light-emitting unit includes at least one of theproximity sensor 244 and the control signal light-emitting unit 243. Inthis implementation, the optical signal light-emitting unit includesboth the proximity sensor 244 and the control signal light-emitting unit243.

The optical signal light-emitting unit is disposed at the rear of thewindow 261. The optical signal light-emitting unit is disposed such thatthe optical signal passes perpendicularly through the central part ofthe window 261. The optical signal light-emitting unit is disposed suchthat the optical signal passes perpendicularly through the verticalportion 261 a.

The disposition guide 264 protrudes rearward from the rear surface ofthe window 261. The disposition guide 264 may include a rib that extendsvertically. The disposition guide 264 may partition a space defined atthe rear of the window 261 into left and right spaces. A plurality ofdisposition guides 264 may be arranged side by side. The dispositionguides 264 may include a disposition guide 264 a for defining the leftspace 260 a of the window 261. The disposition guides 264 may include adisposition guide 264 b for defining the right space 260 b of the window261.

The disposition guide 264 b guides the position of the optical signallight-emitting unit relative to the transmission member 260. Thedisposition guide 264 b guides the position of the optical signallight-emitting unit relative to the window 261. The optical signallight-emitting units 243 and 244 are disposed respectively in the spaces260 a and 260 b defined at the rear of the window 261, which arepartitioned by the disposition guides 264.

The control signal light-emitting unit 243 and the proximity sensor 244are disposed respectively in the spaces 260 a and 260 b defined at therear of the window 261, which are partitioned by the disposition guide264 b. In this implementation, the control signal light-emitting unit243 is disposed in the left space 260 a, and the proximity sensor 244 isdisposed in the right space 260 b. The disposition guide 264 b guidesthe positions of the proximity sensor 244 and the control signallight-emitting unit 243 relative to the window 261. As a result, opticalsignals emitted by the proximity sensor 244 and the control signallight-emitting unit 243 may pass through the window 261 at predeterminedangles and may reach predetermined positions. That is, the dispositionguide 264 b guides the relative disposition of the transmission member260, the proximity sensor 244, and the control signal light-emittingunit 243 such that the optical signals pass perpendicularly through thevertical portions 261 a.

The optical signal light-emitting units disposed in the spaces 260 a and260 b defined at the rear of the window 261 push the rear surface of thewindow 261 forward such that the catching portions 263 come into tightcontact with the inner surface of the side member 231. As a result, thetransmission member 260 is fixed to the side member 231.

The optical signal light-emitting units may include module cases 2433and 2443 for pushing the rear surface of the window 261. The modulecases 2433 and 2443 define the front surfaces of the optical signallight-emitting units. The front surfaces of the module cases 2433 and2443 contact the rear surface of the window 261.

The module cases 2433 and 2443 include a control module case 2433, inwhich the control signal light-emitting unit 243 is disposed, and aproximity module case 2443, in which the proximity signal light-emittingunit 2441 is disposed. The proximity signal light-receiving unit 2442may be disposed in the proximity module case 2443.

The control module case 2433 may be provided in the front surfacethereof with a recess, which is depressed rearward. The control signallight-emitting unit 243 may be disposed in the recess and may emit anoptical signal forward. The proximity module case 2443 may be providedin the front surface thereof with a recess, which is depressed rearward.The proximity signal light-emitting unit 2441 may be disposed in therecess and may emit an optical signal forward. In some implementations,the proximity module case 2443 may be provided in the front surfacethereof with an additional recess, which is depressed rearward. Theproximity signal light-receiving unit 2442 may be disposed in theadditional recess and may receive the optical signal returning from thefront.

The front surface of the control module case 2433 and the front surfaceof the proximity module case 2443 may contact the rear surface of thewindow 261 to push the window 261 forward. The disposition of thecontrol module case 2433 and the proximity module case 2443 is guided bythe disposition guides 264.

Referring to FIG. 36, an example optical signal emitted by the opticalsignal light-emitting unit forward from the rear of the transmissionmember 260 (in the direction XO outward from the axis) passesperpendicularly through the vertical portion 261 a and travels straightwithout being refracted. An arrow IRc shown in FIG. 36 indicates anoptical signal that travels straight without being refracted.

If the central part of the window 261 (i.e. the part through which theoptical signal passes) is disposed so as to be parallel to the inclinedsurface S, the optical signal passing through the window 261 isrefracted downward. An arrow IRd shown in FIG. 36 indicates an opticalsignal that is refracted.

The optical signal emitted by the optical signal light-emitting unit maytravel straight a greater distance through the vertical portion 261 ofthe present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 39 to 42, the bottom case 270 defines the lowersurface of the main body 2A. The bottom case 270 may define the lowerpart of the side surface of the main body 2A. A space is defined in thebottom case 270 in the state in which the bottom case 270 is coupled tothe side case 230.

The lower PCB 250 is disposed in the bottom case 270. The lower PCB 250is coupled to the upper side of the bottom case 270.

The bottom case 270 is provided with a space 270 b in which the battery2541 is disposed. The bottom case 270 is provided with a space 270 c inwhich the charging terminal is disposed. The bottom case 270 is providedwith a recess 270 d, in which the reset button is held.

The bottom case 270 includes an outer member 271 defining the externalappearance thereof. The outer member 271 includes a lower surface. Theouter member 271 includes a circumferential surface formed around thecircumference thereof.

The direction-setting recess 270 a is formed in the outer member 271.The direction-setting recess 270 a is formed in the lower side of theouter member 271. When viewed from below, the direction-setting recess270 a is formed in the edge of the outer member 271. Thedirection-setting recess 270 a is defined by the depression 2711 of theouter member 271.

The bottom case 270 includes a side case-coupling portion 273, which iscoupled to the side case 230. A plurality of side case-coupling portions273 may be arranged along the circumference of the bottom case 270 atintervals. The side case-coupling portions 273 protrude upward from theupper end of the outer member 271.

In this implementation, the side case-coupling portions 273 are providedwith coupling recesses 273 a. Each of the coupling recesses 273 a may bedepressed in the direction XI inward toward the axis. Thecircumferential length of each of the coupling recesses 273 a may begreater than the vertical length of each of the coupling recesses 273 a.The coupling recesses 273 a may be arranged along the circumference ofthe support frame 221 at intervals.

The side case-coupling portions 273 are coupled to the bottomcase-coupling portions 2332 of the side case 230. One selected from eachof the side case-coupling portions 273 and each of the bottomcase-coupling portions 2332 is provided with a coupling recess, and theother selected from each of the side case-coupling portions 273 and eachof the bottom case-coupling portions 2332 is provided with a protrusion,which is engaged into the coupling recess. In this implementation, theside case-coupling portions 273 are provided with coupling recesses 273a, and the bottom case-coupling portions 2332 are provided withprotrusions, which are engaged into the coupling recess 273 a.

The upper end of the circumferential surface of the outer member 271contacts the lower end of the side case 230. The bottom case 270includes an edge insertion rib 272 protruding upward from thecircumferential surface of the outer member 271 and extending along thecircumference of the outer member 271. The edge insertion rib 272extends along the upper edge of the outer member 271. The edge insertionrib 272 may be ring-shaped. The edge insertion rib 272 is formed at apoint spaced apart from the edge of the upper end of the outer member271 by a predetermined distance (a distance corresponding to thethickness of the lower end of the side case 230) toward the central axisX. The side surface of the edge insertion rib 272 in the direction XOoutward from the axis contacts the inner surface of the side case 230.

The side case-coupling portions 273 protrude upward from the edgeinsertion rib 272. The reset button disposition recess 270 d is formedin the edge insertion rib 272.

The bottom case 270 includes a charging terminal guide rib 277 forguiding the disposition of the charging terminal 255. The chargingterminal guide rib 277 includes a bottom guide 277 a for guiding thedisposition of the lower surface of the charging terminal 255, an endguide 277 b for guiding the end of the charging terminal 255 in thedirection XO outward from the axis, and side guides 277 c for guidingcircumferentially opposed surfaces of the charging terminal 255.

The charging terminal disposition space 270 c is provided at the upperside of the bottom guide 277 a and the end guide 277 b. The chargingterminal disposition space 270 c is provided between the two side guides277 c.

The bottom guide 277 a includes a rib protruding upward from the outermember 271. The bottom guide 277 a includes a rib extending in theleftward and rightward direction. The upper end of the bottom guide 277a supports the lower surface of the charging terminal 255.

The end guide 277 b is formed at the upper end of the outer member 271.The edge insertion rib 272 is not disposed at the position at which theend guide 277 b is formed. The end guide 277 b may be formed so as to bedepressed such that the end of the charging terminal 255 is engaged intothe upper end of the outer member 271.

The two side guides 277 c may be disposed at the left and right sidesurfaces of the charging terminal 255. The side guides 277 c includeribs protruding upward from the outer member 271. The side guides 277 cextend along the side surfaces of the charging terminal 255. The heightof the upper end of each of the side guides 277 c is substantially equalto the height of the upper end of the edge insertion rib 272.

The bottom case 270 includes a battery guide rib 275 for guiding thedisposition of the battery 2541. The battery guide rib 275 contacts theside surface of the battery 2541. The battery guide rib 275 extendsalong the side surface of the battery 2541.

The lower surface of the battery 2541 may be supported by the bottomsurface of the outer member 271. When viewed from above, the battery2541 is circular, and is disposed such that the center of the battery2541 is located at a point spaced apart from the central axis X. Thebattery 2541 is eccentrically disposed in the bottom case 270. Thebattery 2541 has a diameter less than the diameter of the bottom case270. The battery 2541 may be disposed such that the side surface of thebattery 2541 in the direction XO outward from the axis contacts theinner surface of the bottom case 270.

The battery guide rib 275 is formed so as to surround the side surfaceof the battery 2541 in the direction opposite to the direction in whichthe battery 2541 is eccentric.

The battery guide rib 275 includes ribs 275 a and 275 c, formed atpositions at which the ribs 275 a and 275 c do not interfere with thecharging terminal 255, the reset button 252, and the abnormal currentinterruption unit 2542 such that the ribs 275 a and 275 c protrude topredetermined heights. The ribs 275 a and 275 c include a rib 275 aextending from one side of the charging terminal 255 and a rib 275 cextending from the other side of the charging terminal 255.

The battery guide rib 275 includes a rib 275 b protruding to a heightless than the heights of the ribs 275 a and 275 c so as to preventinterference with the charging terminal 255. One side surface of the rib275 b guides the side surface of the battery 2541, and the chargingterminal 255 is disposed at the upper side of the rib 275 b.

The battery guide rib 275 includes a rib 275 d protruding to a heightless than the heights of the ribs 275 a and 275 c so as to preventinterference with the abnormal current interruption unit 2542. One sidesurface of the rib 275 d guides the side surface of the battery 2541,and the other components of the power supply device 254 excluding thebattery 2541 may be disposed at the upper side of the rib 275 d. Acylindrical battery disposition space 270 b is defined between theconcave surface of the battery guide rib 275 and the inner surface ofthe outer member 271.

Referring to FIGS. 43 to 47, the container 2B includes an examplecontainer body 280, which has therein an external coupling portion 283and at least a portion of the inner portion 206, and a container sidemember 290 defining the outer portion 205 with respect to the containerbody 280 in the direction XO outward from the axis. The container 2Bincludes a container body 280, which defines a bottom portion 281 a andan inclined portion 281 b, and a container side member, which defines anoutward surface 291.

The container 2B includes a main body-coupling portion 280 a, formed bydepressing the central part of the container 2B downward.

When viewed from above, the container body 280 is circular. The centralpart of the container body 280 is concave downward. The side surface ofthe container body 280 protrudes upward so as to have a predeterminedheight.

The container body 280 includes an example inner surface 281, whichcontacts the main body 2A when the main body 2A is coupled to thecontainer 2B. The inner surface 281 includes a bottom portion 281 a,which is disposed at the central part thereof, and an inclined portion281 b, which defines an inclined surface formed from the edge of thebottom portion 281 a to the upper end of the container body 280. Theinclined portion 281 b may be formed so as to be gradually inclined inthe direction XO outward from the axis. The inclined portion 281 b isgenerally formed so as to be concave.

The inclined portion 281 b is formed in the circumferential direction.The inclined portion 281 b extends in the circumferential direction.

The direction-setting protrusion 285 is formed on the inclined portion281 b. The direction-setting protrusion 285 may be formed on the bottomportion 281 a.

The container body 280 includes a contact surface 282 configured tocontact the container side member 290 in the direction XO outward fromthe axis. The contact surface 282 contacts an inward surface 292. Thecontact surface 282 includes an inclined surface formed so as to becomeclose to the central axis X in the upward direction.

The contact surface 282 is provided with an example catching recess 280b, which is depressed in the direction XI inward toward the axis. Thecatching recess 280 b may be formed in the lower part of the contactsurface 282. A catching recess depressed in the direction XI inwardtoward the axis may be formed in the lower part of the contact surface282. The contact surface 282 may be provided with a catching recess 280b, which is depressed toward the inclined portion 281 b in the directionXI inward toward the axis. The catching recess 280 b may be provided insubstantially the same horizontal plane as the inclined portion 281 b.

The catching recess 280 b may extend in the circumferential direction.The catching recess 280 b may be hidden by the container side member290. A coupling hook 295 formed at the container side member 290 isinserted into the catching recess 280 b in order to couple the containerbody 280 to the container side member 290.

If the catching recess 280 b is not provided, the thickness between thelower part of the inclined portion 281 b and the lower part of thecontact surface 282 may be greater than the thicknesses of the otherportions due to the inclination of the inclined portion 281 b and theinclination of the contact surface 282. In the case in which thecatching recess 280 b is provided, the thickness of the lower part ofthe container body 280 may be reduced, which is advantageous ininjection-molding.

A direction-setting protrusion space 280 d, which is concave toward thedirection-setting protrusion 285, is defined at the lower side of thecontact surface 282. The direction-setting protrusion space 280 d may beconnected to the catching recess 280 b. The direction-setting protrusionspace 280 d is hidden by the container side member 290.

Referring to FIGS. 46C and 46D, an example container 2B′ according to amodification includes only an example container body 280′ without thecontainer side member 290. The following description will be given basedon the difference between the modification and this implementation. Acatching recess 280 b′ is exposed to the outside. In this case, anattachment-detachment protrusion 298′ protrudes from a container body280′. The container body 280′ is provided at the upper side thereof witha main body-coupling portion 280 a′, to which the main body 2A isdetachably attached. The container body 280′ includes an inner portion281′, which is depressed downward to define the main body-couplingportion 280 a′. The inner portion 281′ includes a bottom portion 281 a,which defines the bottom thereof, and an inclined portion 281 b′, whichis gradually inclined upward from the bottom portion 281 a in thedirection XO outward from the axis. The container body 280′ includesouter portions 291′ and 283′, which are exposed to the outside when themain body 2A is coupled to the container body 280′. The outer portions291′ and 283′ include an outward surface 291′ in the direction XOoutward from the axis. The outward surface 291′ is provided with acatching recess 280 b′, which is depressed toward the inclined portion281 b′ in the direction XI inward toward the axis. The outward surface291′ defines an inclined surface that is formed so as to become close tothe central axis X in the upward direction. The catching recess 280 b′,which is depressed in the direction XI inward toward the axis, is formedin the outer part of the outward surface 291′. The remainder of thestructure related to the modification is obvious from the structure ofthe container body 280 according to this implementation, and therefore adetailed description thereof will be omitted.

The contact surface 282 is provided with a guide recess 280 c forguiding the insertion of the container body 280 into a central opening290 c formed in the container side member 290. The guide recess 280 c isformed in the contact surface 292 so as to be concave in the directionXI inward toward the axis. The guide recess 280 c extends along theinclined surface of the contact surface 282. The guide recess 280 cextends vertically. The depth of the guide recess 280 c may be graduallyincreased from the upper side to the lower side. The guide recess 280 cis formed in the upper side of the catching recess 280 b. The lower endof the guide recess 280 c may be connected to the catching recess 280 b.

A guide protrusion 296 formed on the container side member 290 may beinserted into the guide recess 280 c to limit the vertical movement ofthe container side member 290 for assembly. The guide protrusion 296 maybe inserted into the guide recess 280 c from above so as to slidedownward along the guide recess 280 c.

The container body 280 includes the external coupling portion 283, whichis located at the lower surface of the container body 280. When thecontainer body 280 is viewed from below, the external coupling portion283 is disposed at the central part of the container body 280. Theexternal coupling portion 283 may be circular.

The edge of the lower surface of the container body 280 defines an edgeportion 283 a inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The edgeportion 283 a includes an inclined surface, the inclination of whichgradually increases in the direction XO outward from the axis. The edgeportion 283 a is ring-shaped. The edge portion 283 a is connected to theexternal coupling portion 283 in the direction XI inward toward the axisand is connected to the lower end of the container side member 290 inthe direction XO outward from the axis.

The container 2B is made of a material that can be injection-molded. Forexample, the container 2B may be made of synthetic resin. The containerbody 280 is made of a material that can be injection-molded. Thecontainer side member 290 is also made of a material that can beinjection-molded.

Referring to FIG. 47, the container body 280 is injection-molded usingan injection-molding machine 300 (mold) according to an implementationof the present disclosure. The container body 280 is injection-molded inthe state in which the container body 280 is overturned, i.e. the lowerpart of the container body 280 faces upward, such that a gas dischargemark 283 b is formed on the lower surface of the container body 280.

In some implementations, the injection-molding machine 300 includes afirst injection-molding unit 301 for injection-molding the inner surface281 of the container body 280, a second injection-molding unit 302 forinjection-molding the contact surface 282 and the guide recess 280 c ofthe container body 280, a third injection-molding unit 303 forinjection-molding the catching recess 280 b and the direction-settingprotrusion space 280 d of the container body 280, a fourthinjection-molding unit 304 for injection-molding the edge of the lowersurface of the container body 280, and a fifth injection-molding unit305 for injection-molding the central part of the lower surface of thecontainer body 280. In the above description, the terms “firstinjection-molding unit,” “second injection-molding unit,” “thirdinjection-molding unit,” “fourth injection-molding unit,” and “fifthinjection-molding unit” are used only to avoid confusion betweendesignated objects, and do not indicate the sequence or importance ofthe injection-molding units.

The third injection-molding unit 303 includes a protrusion 304 a forforming the catching recess 280 b and a protrusion 304 b for forming thedirection-setting protrusion space 280 d.

When the container body 280 is injection-molded, the gas discharge mark283 b is formed on the container body 280. The gas discharge mark 283 bis formed on the lower surface of the container body 280. The gasdischarge mark 283 b is formed on the surface of the container body 280on which the external coupling portion 283 is formed. The gas dischargemark 283 b is formed on the container body 280 in a circular shape. Thegas discharge mark 283 b is formed on the container body 280 in aconcentrically circular shape. The injection-molding machine 300 mayhave a gas discharge port in order to form the gas discharge mark 283 b.For example, the fifth injection-molding unit 305 may have a gasdischarge port in order to form the gas discharge mark 283 b.

The container side member 290 is ring-shaped. The container side member290 is provided in the center thereof with a central opening 290 a. Thecontainer body 280 is inserted through the central opening 290 a so asto be coupled to the container side member 290.

The container side member 290 includes a side surface of the outerportion 205 in the direction XO outward from the axis. The containerside member 290 includes an outward surface 291, which defines the sidesurface of the container side member 290 in the direction XO outwardfrom the axis, and an inward surface 292, which defines the side surfaceof the container side member 290 in the direction XI inward toward theaxis. The container side member 290 is configured such that thethickness of the container side member 290 between the outward surface291 and the inward surface 292 is substantially uniform.

The outward surface 291 includes an inclined surface formed so as tobecome close to the central axis X in the upward direction. The outwardsurface 291 extends in the circumferential direction. The outwardsurface 291 defines a portion of the outer portion 205 of the container.

The inward surface 292 includes an inclined surface formed so as tobecome close to the central axis X in the upward direction. The inwardsurface 292 extends in the circumferential direction. The contactsurface 282 contacts the inward surface 292. The lower part of theinward surface 292 contacts the contact surface 282 of the containerbody 280. The inward surface 292 includes an inwardly exposed surface292 a, which is exposed to the upper side of the container body 280. Theinwardly exposed surface 292 a is disposed at the upper part of theinward surface 292. The inwardly exposed surface 292 a defines the upperpart of the inner portion 206 of the container. The inwardly exposedsurface 292 a is exposed to the upper side of the inclined portion 281b.

The inwardly exposed surface 292 a is provided with a coupling hook 295,which is inserted into the catching recess 280 b. A plurality ofcoupling hooks 295 may be arranged in the circumferential direction atintervals.

The coupling hook 295 protrudes from the inward surface 292. Thecircumferential length of the coupling hook 295 may be greater than thevertical length of the coupling hook 295. The lower surface of thecoupling hook 295 may be gradually inclined upward in the direction XIinward toward the axis. The upper surface of the coupling hook 295 maybe horizontally formed so as to be caught by the lower surface of thecatching recess 280 b.

The inward surface 292 is provided with a guide protrusion 296, which isinserted into the guide recess 280 c. A plurality of guide protrusions296 may be arranged in the circumferential direction at intervals. Theguide protrusion 296 is formed so as to correspond to the guide recess280 c.

The guide protrusion 296 protrudes from the inward surface 292. Theguide protrusion 296 protrudes in the direction XI inward toward theaxis. The vertical length of the guide protrusion 296 may be greaterthan the circumferential length of the guide protrusion 296.

The attachment-detachment protrusion 298 is formed on the inwardlyexposed surface 292 a. The attachment-detachment protrusion 298protrudes from the inwardly exposed surface 292 a in the direction XIinward toward the axis.

The inclined portion 281 b of the container 2B is a portion that slideswhen the main body 2A is coupled to the container 2B. The inclinedportion 281 b has an inclination formed so as to become close to thecentral axis X in the downward direction such that the lower corner 279of the main body 2A can slide smoothly. As a result, it is possible fora user to smoothly attach and detach the main body 2A to and from thecontainer 2B. In some implementations, it is possible to minimize wearof the lower corner 279 of the main body 2A.

The outward surface 291 of the container 2B has an inclination formed soas to become distant from the central axis X in the downward direction.

Since the outward surface 291 of the container 2B becomes graduallydistant from the central axis X in the downward direction and theinclined portion 281 b of the inner surface 281 becomes gradually closeto the central axis X in the downward direction, the distance betweenthe outward surface 291 and the inner surface 281 gradually increases inthe downward direction. Consequently, the catching recess 280 b isformed in the contact surface 282, which is hidden by the container sidemember 290, whereby it is possible to provide a recess, into which thecoupling hook 295 can be inserted, while reducing injection defects,such as burrs, which may occur due to the increase of the injectionthickness.

The structure and function of the main body 2A will be described indetail with reference to FIGS. 48 to 55B.

An upper edge E1 of the main body 2A, a lower edge E2 of the main body2A, a lower edge E3 of the container 2B, and an upper edge E4 of thecontainer 2B, descriptions of which will follow, may extend along thecircumference of a predetermined figure. Here, “figure” means animaginary planar figure disposed on a plane perpendicular to the centralaxis X. The figure may be a circle, an oval, a polygon, a chamferedpolygon, etc. The figure may be an irregularly shaped figure. The figuremay be a circle, an oval, or a chamfered polygon. The figure may be acircle, an oval, or a chamfered polygon even if a depression or aprotrusion is formed at the circumference of the figure. In the abovedescription, the terms “first figure,” “second figure,” “third figure,”and “fourth figure” are used only to avoid confusion between designatedobjects, and do not indicate the sequence or importance of the figures.

Referring to FIGS. 48 and 49, on the assumption that a first figure isdisposed perpendicular to the central axis X, the main body 2A includesan upper edge E1 extending along the circumference of the first figure.Referring to FIG. 48, the upper edge E1 may be disposed in an imaginaryplane H1.

The first figure may be a circle having a predetermined diameter r1. Onthe assumption that an imaginary circle having a predetermined diameterr1 is disposed perpendicular to the central axis X, the main body 2Aincludes an upper edge E1 extending along the circumference of theimaginary circle having the diameter r1. Referring to FIG. 48, the upperedge E1 may be disposed in the imaginary plane H1.

The upper edge E1 may be circular or arc-shaped. In the case in which arecess or a protrusion is formed at the main body 2A on thecircumference of the imaginary circle having the diameter r1, the recessor the protrusion is not included in the upper edge E1, and the upperedge E1 is arc-shaped. Even in the case in which the upper edge E1 isarc-shaped, the upper edge E1 may be approximately circular.

The side surface of the main body 2A in the direction XO outward fromthe axis is formed further inward in the direction XI inward toward theaxis than one of the upper edge E1 and the lower edge E2. The sidesurface of the main body 2A is formed at a position closer to thecentral axis X than one of the upper edge E1 and the lower edge E2. Inthe following description, the side surface of the main body 2A isformed at a position closer to the central axis X than the upper edgeE1. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Thestructure in which the side surface of the main body 2A is formed at aposition closer to the central axis X than the lower edge E2 is obviousfrom the structure in which the side surface of the main body 2A isformed at a position closer to the central axis X than the upper edgeE1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

The side surface of the main body 2A in the direction XO outward fromthe axis may be formed further inward in the direction XI inward towardthe axis than the upper edge E1. The side surface of the main body 2Amay be formed at a position closer to the central axis X than the upperedge E1. In the case in which the main body 2A perpendicularlyapproaches an external horizontal plane G (in the state in which thecentral axis X is parallel to the horizontal plane G), the upper edge E1of the main body 2A contacts the external plane G first.

Referring to FIG. 50, in the case in which the upper edge E1perpendicularly contacts the external horizontal plane G in the state inwhich the main body 2A is separated from the container 2B, the main body2A may tilt toward the lower surface 278 of the main body 2A (i.e. in adirection T1). The reason for this is that the upper edge E1 of the mainbody 2A is supported by the horizontal plane G, whereas the lower edgeE2 of the main body 2A is not supported by the horizontal plane G.

In the case in which the main body 2A is manufactured so as to haveapproximately circular edges E1 and E2, therefore, the main body 2A maybe overturned within a short time in the direction T1 (i.e. toward thelower surface 278 of the main body 2A) when the main body 2A isseparated from the ground or rolls along the ground. Consequently, thepossibility of losing the main body 2A may be minimized, and the user'sexcessive movement to hold the main body 2A so as to prevent it fromrolling far away may be reduced.

On the assumption that a second figure is disposed perpendicular to thecentral axis X, the main body 2A includes a lower edge E2 extendingalong the circumference of the second figure. Referring to FIG. 48, thelower edge E2 may be disposed in an imaginary plane H2.

In some implementations, the second figure may be a circle having apredetermined diameter r2. On the assumption that an imaginary circlehaving a predetermined diameter r2 is disposed perpendicular to thecentral axis X, the main body 2A may include a lower edge E2 extendingalong the circumference of the imaginary circle having the diameter r2.The diameter r2 is different from the diameter r1. The diameter r2 maybe smaller from the diameter r1.

Referring to FIG. 48, the lower edge E1 may be constituted by a set ofpoints contacting a horizontal plane G such that at least one of theupper edge E1 and the side of the main body 2A contacts the horizontalplane G at the same time. (FIG. 48 shows that the lower edge E2 and theside of the main body 2A contact the horizontal plane G at the sametime, and FIG. 51 shows that the lower edge E2, the upper edge E1 andthe side of the main body 2A contact the horizontal plane G at the sametime.) Particularly, in the case in which the border of the lowersurface 278 of the main body 2A is curved, as shown in FIG. 48, it maybe defined as the lower edge E2, as described above.

Referring to FIG. 48, a point q on the side surface of the main body 2Aand the lower edge E2 simultaneously contact the horizontal plane G.Referring to FIG. 48, the lower edge E2 may be disposed in the imaginaryplane H2.

In some implementations, the lower edge E2 may be circular orarc-shaped. In the case in which a recess or a protrusion is formed atthe main body 2A on the circumference of the imaginary circle having thediameter r2, the recess or the protrusion is not included in the loweredge E2, and the lower edge E2 is arc-shaped. Even in the case in whichthe lower edge E2 is arc-shaped, the lower edge E2 may be approximatelycircular.

Referring to FIGS. 51 and 53, when the main body 2A is overturned towardthe lower surface 278 (in the direction T1) while rolling on thehorizontal plane G, the lower edge E2 contacts the horizontal plane G.In this case, the center of gravity of the main body 2A is furtherbiased further toward the lower surface 278 (in the direction T1) due tothe tilting of the main body 2A. Since the diameter r2 is smaller thanthat the diameter r1, the main body 2A rolls while turning toward thelower surface 278 (in the direction T1). Afterwards, the main body 2Arolls while turning in the state in which only the lower edge E2contacts the horizontal plane G. When the main body 2A completely tiltsto the extent that the lower surface 278 contacts the horizontal planeG, the rolling motion of the main body 2A is stopped.

FIG. 53 is a conceptual view showing example imaginary tracks formed bythe upper edge E1 and the lower edge E2 of the main body on thehorizontal plane when the main body 2A is overturned while rolling alongthe horizontal plane. In FIG. 53, a track 11 is formed by the upper edgeE1, and a track 12 or 13 is formed by the lower edge E2. The main bodyrolls while traveling straight or turning somewhat from a point p1 to apoint p2 in the state in which the upper edge E1 contacts the horizontalplane G. The main body 2A tilts toward the lower surface 278 (in thedirection T1), and the lower edge E2 contacts the horizontal plane Gfrom a point p3. Afterwards, the upper edge E1 is separated from thehorizontal plane G, and the main body 2A turns in the state in which thelower edge E2 contacts the horizontal plane G. Track 12 indicates arelatively small degree of turning, and track 13 indicates a relativelylarge degree of turning. The degree of turning may gradually increase asthe main body 2 a moves while turning. As the result of turning, themain body 2A may return to the initial position thereof. Afterwards, themain body 2A is completely overturned, and the lower surface 278contacts the horizontal plane G. As a result, the movement of the mainbody 2A is stopped. When the main body 2A rolls on the horizontal planeG, it is possible to prevent the main body 2A from rolling far away asthe result of overturning, turning, and stopping of the main body 2A.

The side surface of the main body 2A may include an inclined surfaceformed so as to become close to the central axis X in the downwarddirection. The side surface of the main body 2A may include a pluralityof inclined surfaces formed so as to become close to the central axis Xin the downward direction. In this case, the inclined surfaces may havedifferent inclinations. In some implementations, the inclination of theinclined surface of the side surface of the main body 2A may begradually changed in the downward direction. A recess or a hole may beformed in the inclined surface of the side surface of the main body 2A.

The height h of the main body 2A may be smaller than the diameter r2. Inthe case in which the height of the main body 2A is smaller, aside-standing state, in which the lower edge E2 and at least one of theupper edge E1 and the side surface of the main body 2A simultaneouslycontact the horizontal plane G, may become more unstable. As a result,complete overturning of the main body 2A (i.e. the lower surface 278contacting the horizontal plane G) may be more smoothly and rapidlyachieved.

The main body 2A includes a lower corner 279 connected to the lower sideof the lower edge E2. The lower corner 279 is chamfered. The lowercorner 279 is rounded. The upper end of the lower corner 279 isconnected to the lower edge E2, and the lower end of the lower corner279 is connected to the lower surface 278. The lower corner 279 definesa surface closer to the central axis X than the lower edge E2. The lowercorner 279 may define a surface at a position higher than the lowersurface 278.

Referring to FIG. 53, during overturning of the main body 2A, the mainbody 2A tilts further toward the lower surface 278 (in the direction T1)even after the lower edge E2 contacts the horizontal plane G. At thistime, the lower corner 279 smoothly contacts the horizontal plane G, andthen the lower surface 279 smoothly contacts the horizontal plane G. Asa result, it is possible to reduce impact that is applied to the lowersurface 278 during overturning of the main body 2A. That is, impactapplied to the main body 2A is reduced during overturning of the mainbody 2A, thereby reducing the possibility that apparatuses will bebroken or damaged.

Furthermore, the lower corner 279 defines a surface that becomesgradually closer to the central axis X in the downward direction. Duringoverturning of the main body 2A, the main body 2A tilts further towardthe lower surface 278 (in the direction T1). At this time, the contactpoint of the lower corner 279 that contacts the horizontal plane Gbecomes gradually closer to the central axis X of the main body 2A.Consequently, the main body 2A is more rapidly turned. As a result, itis possible to minimize the movement distance of the main body 2Adepending on the turning of the main body 2A.

Referring to FIGS. 48 and 52, the battery 2541 may be disposed in thelower part of the main body 2A. The case of the main body 2A may be madeof a material exhibiting relatively low specific gravity, such assynthetic resin. For example, the switch panel 210, the switch operationunit 220, the side case 230, and the bottom case 270 are made of amaterial exhibiting low specific gravity, such as synthetic resin. Insome implementations, parts are disposed in the inner space of the mainbody 2A at relatively low density, except for the space in which thebattery 2541 is disposed. The battery 2541 is disposed in the innerspace of the main body 2A at relatively high density. In someimplementations, the battery is made of a metal material. Consequently,the battery 2541 may exhibit high specific gravity. The battery 2541 maybe disposed in the lower part of the main body 2A such that the centerof gravity M of the main body 2A is located at the lower side of themain body 2A.

In some implementations, the battery 2541 may be disposed lower than animaginary plane Hm that divides the height of the main body 2A into twohalves. The battery 2541 may be generally cylindrical. The height of thebattery 2541 may be less than half of the height h of the main body 2A.

Referring to FIG. 52, in the case in which the center of gravity M ofthe main body 2A is located at the lower side of the main body 2A, themain body 2A may be more rapidly overturned toward the lower surface 278(in the direction T1) when the main body 2A rolls along the horizontalplane G. Referring to FIG. 53, in the case in which the center ofgravity M of the main body 2A is located at the lower side of the mainbody 2A, the degree of turning of the main body 2A is increased, withthe result that a relatively rapidly turning track 13 is formed, whichis advantageous in more rapid stopping of the main body 2A.

Referring to FIG. 54, when viewed from below the main body 2A, thebattery 2541 may be disposed at an eccentric position. The eccentricposition of the battery 2541 means that a vertical axis Mb passingthrough the center of gravity of the battery 2541 is spaced apart fromthe central axis X of the main body 2A by a predetermined distance in apredetermined direction ec. In the case in which the battery 2541, thespecific gravity of which is relatively high, is disposed eccentrically,the center of gravity M of the main body 2A is eccentric in thedirection ec in which the battery 2541 is eccentric. The center ofgravity M of the main body 2A is intentionally spaced apart from thecentral axis X.

When viewed from below, the battery 2541 is formed to have a circularshape having a diameter less than the diameter r1 and the diameter r2.The battery 2541, the diameter of which is relatively small, may bedisposed in the eccentric direction ec so as to contact the innersurface of the side member 231. In this case, the side surface of thebattery 2541 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the side member231 in the direction opposite to the eccentric direction ec. Thediameter of the battery 2541 may be less than 0.8 times the diameter r2.

The battery guide rib 272 fixes the battery 2541 such that the battery2541 is disposed at the eccentric position.

Referring to FIGS. 55A and 55B, in the case in which the center ofgravity M of the main body 2A moves upward from the horizontal plane Gwhen the main body 2A (or an assembly of the main body 2A and thecontainer 2B) rolls along the horizontal plane G, torque is applied tothe main body 2A in a direction T2 in which the center of gravity M ofthe main body 2A moves downward. FIG. 55A shows that the center ofgravity M is located at the right side of the main body 2A, wherebytorque is applied to the main body 2A in a rightward direction T2, andFIG. 55B shows that the center of gravity M is located at the left sideof the main body 2A, whereby torque is applied to the main body 2A in aleftward direction T3.

When the kinetic energy of the rolling motion of the main body 2A isless than a predetermined value, therefore, the kinetic energy iscompletely converted into the potential energy, with the result that themain body 2A moves no farther away. The predetermined value of thekinetic energy means the minimum kinetic energy at which the motiondirection is maintained even when the center of gravity M moves to thehighest position. When the main body 2A rolls, therefore, the main bodymay not move far away. In some implementations, overturning of the mainbody 2A is more smoothly performed during the rolling of the main body2A due to the eccentric position of the center of gravity M. The reasonfor this is that torque is applied in the direction opposite to themotion direction, with the result that the motion speed and thecentrifugal force (in the direction opposite to the direction in whichthe main body 2A tilts) are reduced, which is more advantageous inoverturning of the main body 2A.

Referring to FIGS. 56 and 57, on the assumption that a third figure isdisposed perpendicular to the central axis X, the container 2B includesa lower edge E3 extending along the circumference of the third figure.Referring to FIG. 56, the lower edge E3 may be disposed in an imaginaryplane H3.

In some implementations, the third figure may be a circle having apredetermined diameter r3. On the assumption that an imaginary circlehaving a predetermined diameter r3 is disposed perpendicular to thecentral axis X, the container 2B includes a lower edge E3 extendingalong the circumference of the imaginary circle having the diameter r3.Referring to FIG. 56, the lower edge E3 may be disposed in the imaginaryplane H3.

The lower edge E3 may be circular or arc-shaped. In the case in which arecess or a protrusion is formed at the container 2B on thecircumference of the imaginary circle having the diameter r3, the recessor the protrusion is not included in the lower edge E3, and the loweredge E3 is arc-shaped. Even in the case in which the lower edge E3 isarc-shaped, the lower edge E3 may be approximately circular.

The side surface of the container 2B in the direction XO outward fromthe axis is formed further inward in the direction XI inward toward theaxis than one of the lower edge E3 and the upper edge E4 of thecontainer 2B, a description of which will follow. The side surface ofthe container 2B is formed at a position closer to the central axis Xthan one of the lower edge E3 and the upper edge E4. In the followingdescription, the side surface of the container 2B is formed at aposition closer to the central axis X than the lower edge E3 of thecontainer 2B. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.For example, the structure in which the side surface of the container 2Bmay be formed at a position closer to the central axis X than the upperedge E4 of the container 2B is obvious from the structure in which theside surface of the container 2B is formed at a position closer to thecentral axis X than the lower edge E3 of the container 2B, and thereforea description thereof will be omitted.

The side surface (the outward surface 291) of the container 2B in thedirection XO outward from the axis may be formed further inward in thedirection XI inward toward the axis than the lower edge E3 of thecontainer 2B. The side surface (the outward surface 291) of thecontainer 2B in the direction XO outward from the axis may be formed ata position closer to the central axis X than the lower edge E3 of thecontainer 2B. In the case in which the container 2B perpendicularlyapproaches an external horizontal plane G (in the state in which thecentral axis X is parallel to the horizontal plane G), the lower edge E3of the container 2B contacts the external plane G first.

In the state in which the main body 2A is coupled to the container 2B,one of the upper edge E1 and the lower edge E3 is formed at a positioncloser to the central axis X than the other. In this implementation, theupper edge E1 is formed at a position closer to the central axis X thanthe lower edge E3 in the state in which the main body 2A is coupled tothe container 2B.

The diameter r3 is different from the diameter r1. In thisimplementation, the diameter r3 is greater than the diameter r1.

The accessory 2A and 2B is configured such that the upper edge E1 of themain body 2A and the lower edge E3 of the container 2B cansimultaneously contact the horizontal plane G in the state in which themain body 2A is vertically coupled to the container 2B.

Referring to FIGS. 58 and 59, when the accessory 2A and 2B rolls in thestate in which the upper edge E1 of the main body 2A and the lower edgeE3 of the container 2B contact the horizontal plane G, the accessory 2Aand 2B turns to one side, since the diameter r1 and the diameter r3 aredifferent from each other. Referring to FIG. 58, the diameter r1 issmaller than the diameter r3, and therefore the accessory 2A and 2Bturns to the upper edge E1 (in a direction T4). FIG. 59 shows a track 14formed by the upper edge E1 and a track 15 formed by the lower edge E3.When the accessory 2A and 2B rolls in the state in which the upper edgeE1 and the lower edge E3 contact a point p4 and a point p5,respectively, the accessory 2A and 2B turns to the edge having thesmaller diameter (in the direction T4). As the result of turning of theaccessory 2A and 2B, the accessory 2A and 2B may return to the initialposition thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 56 and 57, on the assumption that a fourth figure isdisposed perpendicular to the central axis X, the container 2B includesan upper edge E4 extending along the circumference of the fourth figure.Referring to FIG. 56, the upper edge E4 may be disposed in an imaginaryplane H4. The upper edge E4 may be disposed on the outer border betweenthe main body 2A and the container 2B.

The fourth figure may be a circle having a predetermined diameter r4. Onthe assumption that an imaginary circle having a predetermined diameterr4 is disposed perpendicular to the central axis X, the container 2Bincludes an upper edge E4 extending along the circumference of theimaginary circle having the diameter r4. Referring to FIG. 56, the upperedge E4 may be disposed in the imaginary plane H3.

The diameter r4 is different from the diameter r3. The diameter r4 maybe smaller from the diameter r3.

When the container 2B is separated from the ground or rolls along theground, the container 2B may be overturned toward the upper edge E4within a short time. The principle by which the container 2B isoverturned is identical to the principle by which the main body 2A isoverturned, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Thepossibility of losing the container 2B may be minimized, and then user'sexcessive movement to hold the container 2B so as to prevent it fromrolling far away may be reduced.

The upper edge E4 may be circular or arc-shaped. In the case in which arecess or a protrusion is formed at the container 2B on thecircumference of the imaginary circle having the diameter r4, the recessor the protrusion is not included in the upper edge E4, and the upperedge E4 is arc-shaped. Even in the case in which the upper edge E4 isarc-shaped, the upper edge E4 may be approximately circular.

The side surface of the container 2B in the direction XO outward fromthe axis is formed further inward in the direction XI inward toward theaxis than one of the lower edge E3 and the upper edge E4 of thecontainer 2B. The side surface of the container 2B is formed at aposition closer to the central axis X than one of the lower edge E3 andthe upper edge E4. In the following description, the side surface of thecontainer 2B is formed at a position closer to the central axis X thanthe lower edge E3 of the container 2B. However, the present disclosureis not limited thereto. The structure in which the side surface of thecontainer 2B is formed at a position closer to the central axis X thanthe upper edge E4 of the container 2B is obvious from the structure inwhich the side surface of the container 2B is formed at a positioncloser to the central axis X than the lower edge E3 of the container 2B,and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

The upper edge E4 of the container 2B may be constituted by a set ofpoints contacting a horizontal plane G such that at least one of thelower edge E3 and the side of the container 2B contacts the horizontalplane G at the same time. (FIG. 56 shows that the upper edge E4 of thecontainer 2B, the lower edge E3 of the container 2B and the side of thecontainer 2B contact the horizontal plane G at the same time.)

The side surface (the outward surface 291) of the container 2B mayinclude an inclined surface formed so as to become close to the centralaxis X in the upward direction. The side surface (the outward surface291) of the container 2B may include a plurality of inclined surfacesformed so as to become close to the central axis X in the upwarddirection. In this case, the inclined surfaces may have differentinclinations. In some implementations, the inclination of the inclinedsurface of the side surface (the outward surface 291) of the container2B may be gradually changed in the upward direction. A recess or a holemay be formed in the inclined surface of the side surface (the outwardsurface 291) of the container 2B.

The height of the container 2B may be smaller than the diameter r4. Inthe case in which the height of the container 2B is smaller, a containerside-standing state, in which the upper edge E4 of the container 2B andat least one of the lower edge E3 and the side of the container 2Bsimultaneously contact the horizontal plane G, may become more unstable.As a result, complete overturning of the container 2B may be moresmoothly and rapidly achieved.

Hereinafter, an apparatus and method for manufacturing the accessory 2will be described with reference to FIGS. 60A to 63.

As previously described, the container 2B includes a main body-couplingportion, to which the main body 2A is separably coupled, and the mainbody 2A includes an exposed portion 201, which is exposed in the statein which the main body 2A is coupled to the container 2B. The exposedportion 201 is formed in the upper part of the main body 2A. The mainbody 2A includes a side member 231, which defines the side surface ofthe exposed portion 201. The corner of the upper end of the side member231 in the direction XO outward from the axis defines the upper edge E1of the main body 2A.

In order to separate the main body 2A from the container 2B of theaccessory 2 having the above-stated structure, a user holds the sidemember 231, which corresponds to the exposed portion 201 of the mainbody 2A, using his/her hand. In this case, the user's hand contacts theupper edge E1. Particularly, when the user separates the main body 2Afrom the container 2B, the user firmly holds the side member 231, andthe upper edge E1 applies pressure to the user's hand.

The upper edge E1 has a curved corner. Consequently, the pressure thatthe upper edge E1 applies to the user's hand may be distributed, and theuser's sensation of gripping the main body 2A may be improved.

In some implementations, as previously described, the main body 2Aincludes a side member 231, which defines the external appearance of thecircumference thereof about the central axis X. The side surface of theside member 231 defines an inclined surface that is formed so as to begradually distant from the central axis X in the upward direction. Thecorner of the upper end of the side member 231 in the direction XOoutward from the axis defines the upper edge E1 of the main body 2A.

In this case, the upper edge E1 may define a corner having an acuteangle in an imaginary vertical section including the central axis X.When the user holds the main body 2A using his/her hand, therefore, theupper edge E1 may be more intensively applied to the use's hand. Forthis reason, the upper edge E1 may have a curved corner.

The corner of the upper end of the side member in the direction XIinward toward the axis may define an inner edge, and the inner edge mayhave an angled corner. Since the use's hand does not contact the inneredge, the user's sensation of gripping the main body 2A is not affectedby the inner edge.

In some implementations, the top surface of the inner edge issubstantially aligned with the top surface of the edge of the switchpanel 210, which is adjacent thereto, and the end of the edge of theswitch panel 210 contacts the inner surface of the side member 231. Theinner edge has an angled corner such that the upper surface, whichconnects the switch panel 210 to the upper end of the side member 231,may extend smoothly.

In some implementations, when the dome-shaped switch panel 210 is pusheddownward, elastic deformation of the switch panel 210, by which theswitch panel 210 is extended toward the edge, is prevented by the innerwall of the upper end of the side member 231. The inner edge has anangled corner such that the end of the edge of the switch panel 210 canbe more stably located on the inner wall of the upper end of the sidemember 231.

In some implementations, the main body 2A is made of a material that canbe injection-molded. The side case 230 is made of a material that can beinjection-molded. The side member 231 is made of a material that can beinjection-molded. An example of the material that can beinjection-molded may be synthetic resin.

Hereinafter, an apparatus for manufacturing the accessory including theupper edge E1 having the curved corner will be described with referenceto FIGS. 28 and 60A to 63. In FIG. 29, part Z indicates the section ofthe side member 231. FIGS. 60A and 60B are sectional view showingexample injection-molding machines 310 a and 310 b used in a process inwhich the side case 231 is injection-molded, showing the section Z ofthe side member 231. FIGS. 61 to 63 show a plurality ofinjection-molding units 311 b, 312 b, and 313 b constituting theinjection-molding machine 310 b. The structure of a fastening device formaintaining coupling force between the injection-molding units 311 b,312 b, and 313 b and the structure for supplying a material to beinjection-molded are omitted from FIGS. 61 to 63. However, variousimplementations may be realized by those skilled in the art.

In some implementations, the accessory manufacturing apparatus mayinclude an injection-molding machine 310 b for injection-molding theside case 230, which is one of the parts constituting the accessory 2.For example, the accessory manufacturing apparatus includes aninjection-molding machine 310 b for injection-molding the side member231.

Referring to FIG. 60B, the injection-molding machine 310 b includes aninjection-molding unit 312 b in which surfaces defining the upper end ofthe side member 231, the upper edge E1, and the upper part of the sidesurface of the side member 231 are integrally connected to each other.

The injection-molding unit 312 b may be configured such that the cornerdefining the upper edge E1 is concave. The upper edge E1 may have acurved corner.

In some implementations, the injection-molding machine 310 b may form aparting line PLb on only the inner edge of the side member 231, amongthe upper end of the side member 231, the upper edge E1, and the inneredge of the side member 231. The parting line may leave a trace duringinjection molding. Particularly, in the case in which the parting lineis formed on the corner, the corner of the injection-molded product maybe angled.

For example, in the injection-molding machine 310 a of FIG. 60A, twoinjection-molding units 311 a and 312 a form a parting line PLa on theupper edge E1. In this case, the upper edge E1 has an angled corner.

On the other hand, in the injection-molding machine 310 b of FIG. 60B,two injection-molding units 311 b and 312 b form a parting line PLb onthe inner edge. In this case, the inner edge may have an angled corner,and the upper edge E1 may have a curved corner.

The injection-molding machine 310 b will be described in more detailwith reference to FIGS. 61 to 63. The injection-molding machine 310 bincludes an upper injection-molding unit 311 b for defining a moldingline of the upper part of the side case 230, a side injection-moldingunit 312 b for defining a molding line of the side of the side case 230(the side of the side member 231), and a lower injection-molding unit313 b for defining a molding line of the lower part of the side case230.

A plurality of upper injection-molding units 311 b, a plurality of sideinjection-molding units 312 b, and a plurality of lowerinjection-molding units 313 b may be provided. For example, two lowerinjection-molding units 313 b may be provided to form a parting linebetween the central part and the edge part of the side case 230.

The accessory manufacturing apparatus includes a fastening device (notshown) for maintaining coupling force between the injection-moldingunits 311 b, 312 b, and 313 b. The fastening device enables theinjection-molding units 311 b, 312 b, and 313 b to be coupled to andseparated from each other. In some implementations, the accessorymanufacturing apparatus includes a structure (not shown) for supplying amaterial to be injection-molded into the injection-molding machine 310b.

The side injection-molding unit 312 b defines a molding line of theupper end of the side member 231 and, at the same time, a molding lineof the side surface of the side member 231 (the inclined surface thatbecomes gradually distant from the central axis X in the upwarddirection). The side injection-molding unit 312 b includes a first sideinjection-molding unit 312 b 1 and a second side injection-molding unit312 b 2, which are separable from each other in the horizontal direction(e.g., in the forward and rearward direction or in the leftward andrightward direction). Parting lines (not shown) of the first sideinjection-molding unit 312 b 1 and the second side injection-moldingunit 312 b 2 are formed vertically on the side surface of the sidemember 231.

In some implementations, the upper injection-molding unit 311 b isremoved upward after the injection-molded product is manufactured.Consequently, the parting lines PLb of the upper injection-molding unit311 b and the side injection-molding unit 312 b are formed on the inneredge. As a result, the side injection-molding unit 312 b may be removed.At the same time, the inner edge may have an angled corner, and theupper edge E1 may have a curved corner.

In some implementations, the accessory manufacturing method includes astep of injection-molding the side case 230. For example, the accessorymanufacturing method includes an injection-molding step ofinjection-molding the side member 231.

The injection-molding step includes a step of supplying a material to beinjection-molded into an injection-molding machine in which surfacesdefining the upper end of the side member 231, the upper edge E1, andthe upper part of the side surface of the side member 231 are integrallyconnected to each other.

At the injection-molding step, a parting line PLb is formed on only theinner edge of the side member 231, among the upper end of the sidemember 231, the upper edge E1, and the inner edge of the side member231.

The injection-molding step includes a step of removing theinjection-molding machine, in which the surfaces defining the upper endof the side member 231, the upper edge E1, and the upper part of theside surface of the side member 231 are integrally connected to eachother, from the injection-molded product.

The remaining steps of the accessory manufacturing method are obviousfrom the functions of the accessory manufacturing apparatus describedabove, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

As is apparent from the described above, the present disclosure may havethe effect of making it easy to design even a miniscule difference inrestoring force of the push-type button.

In some implementations, the present disclosure may have the effect ofenabling the uniform manufacturing of products such that designedrestoring force can be accurately realized. In some implementations, thepresent disclosure may have the effect of inducing the route throughwhich force is transmitted and the point at which elastic deformationoccurs as designed.

In some implementations, the accessory may be attached to an apparatusor may be placed in an environment so as to realize IoT functionswithout replacing the apparatus or reconfiguring the environment.

In some implementations, it may be possible to sense the surroundingcircumstances and to remotely control an apparatus based on informationreceived over a network.

What is claimed is:
 1. An accessory having a main body, the main bodycomprising: a case that defines an external appearance of the main body;a main switch located within the case and configured to be pusheddownward; and an elastic operation portion that is located verticallyabove the main switch and extends radially outward toward an innersurface of the case, the elastic operation portion being configured toelastically deform downward to thereby push the main switch, wherein theelastic operation portion includes: a middle part located verticallyabove the main switch, a first bent part extending radially outward froma first end of the middle part, the first bent part having a firstcurvature that is convex downward, and a second bent part extendingradially outward from a second end of the middle part opposite the firstend, the second bent part having a second curvature that is convexdownward.
 2. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the main body furtherincludes: a communication module that is configured to communicate witha predetermined network; and a controller that is configured to controlthe communication module, and wherein the controller is configured,based on the main switch being pushed downward, to receive controlinformation.
 3. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the main body furtherincludes: a sensor module that is configured to sense predeterminedobjects or environmental information; a remote control module that isconfigured to transmit an optical signal for controlling predeterminedapparatuses; and a controller that is configured to control the sensormodule and the remote control module.
 4. The accessory of claim 1,wherein the main body further includes a switch panel that is locatedvertically above the elastic operation portion, that defines at least aportion of an upper surface of the main body, and that is configured toelastically deform based on the switch panel being pushed downward,wherein the elastic operation portion is disposed between the switchpanel and the main switch, and wherein the elastic operation portion isconfigured, based on the switch panel elastically deforming downward, toelastically deform downward to thereby push the main switch.
 5. Theaccessory of claim 4, wherein the switch panel includes a dome-shapedplate that is convex upward.
 6. The accessory of claim 5, wherein thecase includes a side member that defines a side portion of the externalappearance of the main body and extends along a circumference of themain body, the side member having an inner surface and an outer surface,and wherein a circumference of the switch panel contacts the innersurface of the side member.
 7. The accessory of claim 1, wherein theelastic operation portion is convex upward.
 8. The accessory of claim 1,wherein the middle part of the elastic operation portion is an uppermostpart of the elastic operation portion.
 9. The accessory of claim 1,wherein the first bent part has a first connection end connected to thefirst end of the middle part, the first connection end being positionedhigher than a first extending end of the first bent part opposite thefirst connection end, and wherein the second bent part has a secondconnection end connected to the second end of the middle part, thesecond connection end being positioned higher than a second extendingend of the second bent part opposite the second connection end.
 10. Theaccessory of claim 1, wherein the main body includes a support framethat is located within the case and supports the elastic operationportion, wherein the support frame includes an edge member that extendsalong a circumference of the support frame about a central axis, theelastic operation portion passing through the central axis in ahorizontal direction.
 11. The accessory of claim 1, wherein each of thefirst bent part and the second bent part is formed from a plate, whereinthe middle part includes a horizontal plate that is thicker than theplates forming the first and second bent parts, the horizontal platedefining an upper surface of the middle part.
 12. The accessory of claim1, wherein the main body further includes a support frame that islocated within the case and supports the elastic operation portion, andwherein the elastic operation portion further includes: a firstconnection part extending radially outward from the first bent part tothe support frame, and a second connection part extending radiallyoutward from the second bent part to the support frame.
 13. Theaccessory of claim 12, wherein the first connection part slopes upwardfrom the support frame to the first bent part, and wherein the secondconnection part slopes upward from the support frame to the second bentpart.
 14. The accessory of claim 13, wherein the support frame includesan edge member that has a ring shape along a circumference of thesupport frame about a central axis, and wherein the elastic operationportion crosses the central axis.
 15. The accessory of claim 12, whereineach of the first bent part, the second bent part, the first connectionpart, and the second connection part is formed from a plate, and themiddle part includes a horizontal plate that is thicker than the platesforming the first bent part, the second bent part, the first connectionpart, and the second connection part, the horizontal plate defining anupper surface of the middle part.
 16. The accessory of claim 1, whereinthe middle part includes a horizontal plate that defines an uppersurface of the middle part, and wherein the elastic operation portionfurther includes a push protrusion protruding downward from a lowersurface of the horizontal plate.
 17. The accessory of claim 1, whereinthe elastic operation portion is configured to deform from an initialposition by a stroke length (d1), wherein the first bent part is convexby a depth (d2) that is greater than the stroke length (d1), and whereinthe second bent part is convex by the depth (d2) that is greater thanthe stroke length (d1).